Anita works in the music industry and has developed a new computer program for her employer. She wishes to legally protect it: IT Law and Ethics Case Study, NCI, Ireland

Anita works in the music industry and has developed a new computer program for her employer. She wishes to legally protect it. Anita is told by her manager that they own anything she creates.

Anita is also aware of new copyright legislation and is concerned that her employer provides a platform for public/customer commentary where comments and sometimes recordings of music are shared.

Anita’s friend Mike is a musician and is constantly touring to earn an income from his music. He learns that his music is being shared by a YouTube sensation Mic Mock and is upset to find that Mic Mock has garnered a huge income from advertising arising from the use of Mike’s music on the “Bugle” platform.

Advise Anita and Mike in relation to the relevant Intellectual Property Law in Ireland and use relevant legislation and case law to support your advice:

• What is the current legislation on Intellectual Property Law in Ireland? and is Anita’s new computer program something that she can protect?
• What advice should Anita give to her employer in relation to the new Directive on Copyright in the single Market and their public/customer commentary site? and Is there any further legal liability in relation to such a site?
• Will the new Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market assist Mike?
• If a competitor tries to breach Anita’s or Mike’s Intellectual Property rights, what offences might they commit and what penalties might they incur? and Is any other redress available?