Prince has pledged to sue popular websites You Tube & eBay over unauthorized use of his music and merchandise. He will be the first major music artist to go toe to toe with the Internet staples.

The singer is launching legal action in a bid to “reclaim his art on the internet.”

“These are steps that the ever innovative Prince is taking to reclaim his art on the internet,” a spokesman for the star said.

“Prince believes strongly that as an artist the music rights must remain with the artist and thus copyrights should be protected across the board.”

“Very few artists have ever taken this kind of action over their rights. Yet Prince has showed time and time again he is ready to challenge the system in new ways to put artists and music first.”

“We are not targeting fans who might want to sell their copy of Purple Rain, we are targeting companies in China manufacturing Prince handbags and selling them in their thousands. There is a distinction to be drawn there.”