EMI takes tough line on music leaks: case highlights issue of how record labels can prevent pre-release music appearing on the net.(Press & PR)

EMI has fired one of its staff after a watermarked, pre-release CD given to her was traced as the source of an intellect leak.

The employee--who works for one of the major's continental-based affiliates--was told last week she was being sacked on the grounds of gross misconduct, having admitted to handing over the disc to a journalist. The journalist had posted the music on a peer-to-peer site.

EMI says the incident highlights the seriousness with which it takes the leaking of pro-release music, while many of the other majors have stressed that they, too, are committed to crack down on any breaches.

The move comes after BMG last year considered legal action after a promo copy of one of its forthcoming releases personalised with the name of a high profile radio station's head ended up on sale in a second-hand record shop. And Sony and Universal say they are remaining vigilant on the issue.

EMI's global head of content protection Richard Cottrell says, "We take this very seriously. We've advised our employees two or three times now of the policy regarding pre-release material."

All EMI staff members world-wide were due last week to receive an e mailed letter detailing what had happened in this episode and told of the consequences if any employee is caught leaking pre-release repertoire.

In the particular ease, the leak was brought to the attention of EMI by the IFPI, which carries out monitoring on behalf of record companies of internet sites for illegally-posted repertoire. The discovered file in question was found to contain a watermark, which was then traced back to the staff member who had been issued the pre-release disc.