Small businesses and their staff are being told they could be in trouble if they use the firm's e-mail system to send copyright clips and photos to friends during the tournament.

Blog site Boing Boing has already had a letter from a corporate lawyer warning it about the practice.

Software firm Softalk says small businesses should tell staff that they cannot use the firm's e-mail system to send any World Cup clips and pictures.

Spokesman Simon Bates said:

"Small businesses should already have e-mail policies in place but many don't. Even those that do have policies could be at risk if they aren't taking any steps to prevent abuse of their e-mail system."

The group advises the use of filters to block 'inappropriate' content.