Copyright in Ireland: What It Protects and How to Enforce It

Copyright is the most widely applicable form of intellectual property protection in Ireland. It arises automatically — there is no registration requirement — and protects a wide range of creative and commercial works.

What Does Copyright Protect?

Under the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000, copyright protects: original literary works (including software and databases), dramatic works, musical works, artistic works (paintings, photographs, sculptures, architecture), sound recordings, films, broadcasts, and typographical arrangements. The work must be original and fixed in some material form.

How Long Does Copyright Last?

Duration varies by type: literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works — 70 years from the death of the author; sound recordings — 70 years from release; films — 70 years from the death of the last surviving director, composer, screenplay author, or dialogue author; broadcasts — 50 years from first broadcast.

Who Owns Copyright?

The author of the work is generally the first owner of copyright. Key exceptions: works created by employees in the course of employment belong to the employer; commissioned works (e.g. photographs commissioned for private purposes) may give the commissioner certain rights; and works created under contract may vest in either party depending on the agreement.

What Are the Rights of a Copyright Owner?

Copyright gives the owner the exclusive right to: copy the work, issue copies to the public, rent or lend the work, perform or broadcast the work, make adaptations, and communicate the work to the public online.

Enforcing Copyright

If your copyright is infringed, your remedies include: an injunction to stop the infringement, damages for losses suffered, an account of profits made by the infringer, and delivery up of infringing copies. Copyright infringement can also be a criminal offence in commercial contexts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register copyright in Ireland?

No — copyright arises automatically on creation of the work. There is no registration system in Ireland. However, keeping dated records of your work is important for enforcement purposes.

Can I use the © symbol to protect my work?

Using the © symbol with your name and year of creation is good practice — it puts others on notice of your claim. However, it is not legally required for copyright to exist in Ireland.

What is fair dealing in Irish copyright law?

Fair dealing allows limited use of copyright works without permission for purposes including research or private study, criticism or review, reporting current events, and education. The use must be fair and must not unreasonably prejudice the interests of the copyright owner.

This article is for informational purposes only. Consult a solicitor at O’Grady Solicitors & Co. for advice on protecting your intellectual property.