EU sparks change in Irish intellectual property laws

NEW measures to protect intellectual property and bring Irish law into line with EU directives were announced by the government yesterday.

The plans will include greater protection against counterfeiting and piracy and will also provide for extra payments to artists whose work is sold on by future owners.

Junior minister for trade and commerce Michael Ahern said artists would benefit from the new regime, which had already been in place for a number of years in most EU countries. The Government has been forced to change existing legislation to fall into line with EU directives after the European Commission began legal proceedings against the State last year.