Those who illegally download music and films will face fines

The law, being debated by the French Senate, will ban the unauthorised downloading of copyrighted files.

Around 300 people laid a wreath "in memory of private copying and free software in France" near the city's culture and communications ministry.

It follows a decision by the government in March to scrap a bill to legalise downloading in return for a flat fee.

The draft copyright law introduces fines of between 38 and 150 euros (�26-�104) for people pirating music or movies at home.

Digital rights

Demonstrators also attacked plans to bolster digital rights management technology, which prevents commercial files from being freely shared over the internet.

Apple, which runs the iTunes music store, has criticised the draft law for the opposite reason.

The law calls upon Apple and rivals Sony and Microsoft to share their proprietary copy-protection - to ensure that digital music can be played on any player, regardless of its format or source.

Currently most online stores lock consumers into their own downloading systems and players.

Apple argues that one digital rights management system would leave legal download services vulnerable to illegal file-sharing.