Warner Music has refused to allow its content to be sold on a new Nokia website, reportedly over concerns on illegal downloads, opening a new chapter in the music industry's efforts to grapple with file-sharing.

Warner has withheld its music from the Nokia Music Store website, which was launched yesterday. Sources have said that Warner was concerned about file-sharing of copyrighted material on Nokia's Mosh, another website that allows customers to share content, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The group's main rivals, Universal, Sony BMG and EMI, have all allowed their music to be available on the website.

The spat has arisen despite Warner's relatively relaxed attitude to file-sharing and digital formats. It was among the first labels to sell non-protected music over iTunes - allowing it to be copied on to other platforms. It was also the first major label to announce an agreement with YouTube, allowing the video-sharing site to distribute music videos and interviews.

The decision is a blow to Nokia, which is trying to break into the download market via its Ovi platform, which included a music service to challenge iTunes.

This afternoon digital versions of copyrighted books, including JK Rowling's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, were available on Mosh, while the Journal reported that a portion of The Beatles' Girl was available as recently as last night.

Kari Tuutti, a spokesman for Nokia, confirmed that Warner was refusing permission to stock its products. He told the Journal: "We are continuing discussions with [Warner]... and we are hopeful that Warner will be part of Nokia Music Store in the future."

He added that Noka was doing everything in its power to prevent copyright infringement on Mosh.

Warner Music was not immediately availabe for comment.

Times Recommends

• Lies and cover-up at MG Rover exposed by report
• High oil prices push manufacturing costs up
• Primark founder steps down as chief executive