MySpace accused of ripping off music agencies` labels

Sydney: Music-centric social networking service MySpace has been accused of stealing music from its artists without the permission of their music agency.

Charles Caldas, CEO of UK music rights agency Merlin, said MySpace has launched music from the agency`s labels without any license from Merlin, for which they have taken away their business from the social network, reports News.com.au. Arcade Fire is one of the bands represented by Merlin, whose music has been stolen by MySpace, Caldas added. Denying the charges, MySpace issued a statement that users have probably uploaded music from Merlin on their site. However, Caldas said that if any site is offering music without permission that belongs to a copyright holder in a commercial environment, it is the duty of the site to make sure that those rights are cleared. ANI