Minister Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD, yesterday began a process of reform of Ireland’s copyright regime in the hope of maximising the potential of digital industry in Ireland.
According to the Minister, he is “determined that government will make whatever changes are necessary to allow innovative digital companies reach their full potential in Ireland”. He continued that “some companies have indicated that the current copyright legislation does not cater well for the digital environment and actually creates barriers to innovation and to the establishment of new business models. Moving towards a US-style “fair use” doctrine is one suggestion that has been made.”
He announced his plans to respond to these suggestions and that a time-limited review of the law in the area would be conducted by three industry experts. The review will include a full consultation process with all relevant stakeholders, and the entire process will be complete within six months.