Men At Work Lose Plagiarism Case Over 'Down Under' Hit

Men At Work have been ordered to pay song royalties after a judge ruled that their 1983 hit single 'Down Under' included a riff stolen from a children's song.

The Australian band must pay 5% of money that the track has accumulated since 2002 as well as future royalties.

In February, Larrikin Music filed a copyright lawsuit against the group, claiming the flute riff from their hit was stolen from a song by teacher Marion Sinclair.

The track, entitled 'Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree', was written in 1934 for a Guides competition.

Larrikin Music, who own the rights to the song, were originally seeking up to 60% of the royalties 'Down Under' had made since it was released.

The track topped the UK and Australian charts in 1983.