Big name record label EMI is considering selling its music library without any digital rights management copy protection in an effort to help increase music download sales. The Wall Street Journal reports that the label is currently gathering information from several iTunes Store competitors including eMusic.com, MTV Networks, MusicNet, and RealNetworks to determine if the idea is financially viable.

EMI's probe into DRM-free music marks a major departure from the other "big four" record labels that consider copy protection to be vital in protecting online music sales from piracy. The move is, however, in line with comments Apple CEO Steve Jobs made in his open letter that speaks out against copy protection in digital songs.

In the letter, Mr. Jobs said that DRM is ineffective and is hampering the growth of online music sales. It goes on to say that the recording labels are responsible for imposing music copy protection on consumers, and that allowing for copy protection-free music sales from online stores would help give consumers the same experience they get when buying a physical CD.

The increase in legitimate music downloads has not been able to keep up with the declining sales in physical CDs, which is something the labels have been working to overcome. Even though they might lose some sales to music pirates if tracks are sold without DRM, the possibility of additional legitimate downloads is enough to keep EMI actively pursuing the idea.