UK newspaper will not use ‘Times Ireland’ title

UK publisher Times Newspapers Ltd has told the High Court it will not use the title ‘The Times Ireland’ for the new online newspaper it plans to introduce in Ireland.

On foot of legal objections by The Irish Times Ltd last week, Mr Justice Paul Gilligan granted the Irish-based newspaper permission to inform the UK publisher of its intention to apply for court orders legally blocking what The Irish Times described as “a very serious violation” of its copyright.

The Irish Times had objected to the alleged intended use by the UK group of the title ‘The Times Ireland’ for a new online newspaper. Both parties yesterday told Mr Justice Raymond Fulham that the proceedings could be struck out on a number of undertakings by Times Newspapers Ltd not to use the title ‘The Times Ireland’ or domain names www.thetimesireland.ie,www.timesireland.ie, using the description ‘The Times Ireland’ on Twitter accounts.

Jonathan Newman, for The Irish Times Ltd, had initially told the court the newspaper had brought the proceedings because “the potential for confusion is enormous” and the proposed use of the name ‘The Times Ireland’ was “a very serious violation” of its copyright.

The court had heard the new publication is a digital edition of The Times due to be part of a seven-day subscription package with The Sunday Times.

Counsel for Times Newspapers told Mr Justice Fulham yesterday that agreed undertakings regarding the non-use of the titles complained of would be handed into court. He said his clients had given the undertakings without any admission of liability on the part of Times Newspapers Ltd.

“Our position is that this application was somewhat premature and the motion sought by the applicant may be struck out with costs reserved,” he said. “The matter of costs can be dealt with on another day.

The court struck out the motion brought by The Irish Times Ltd, but granted the Irish company liberty to re-enter the proceedings.

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