IMRO's High Court dispute with Forest Fest organisers resolved

Irish Music Rights Organisation sought injunction over claimed failure by organisers of this month's festival to obtain a licence allowing the performance of musical works for which it claimed it holds copyright

Philip Meagher of Forest Fest, which takes place in Co Laois from July 19 to 21. Picture: Alf Harvey

A High Court dispute between the body that administers the performing rights of copyrighted music in Ireland and the organisers of the Forest Fest music and arts festival due to take place in Co Laois later this month has been resolved.

The Irish Music Rights Organisation Company Ltd (IMRO) had sought an injunction over what it claimed was a failure by the organisers of Forest Fest to obtain a licence allowing certain musical works, which the plaintiff claimed it holds the copyright of, to be performed.

The failure to obtain a licence in respect of the Forest Fest event, IMRO claimed, amounted to a breach of its members' copyright.

IMRO sued against Philip Meagher and Forestfest Limited, both of Fitzmaurice House, Bank Place, Portlaoise, Co Laois.

IMRO says Mr Meagher, a practising solicitor, is a director and owner of the company.

Both are involved in the organisation and the promotion of the event which is taking place at Emo, Co Laois, between July 19 and 21, IMRO claimed.

Sought injunction

IMRO had sought an injunction restraining the defendants and anyone who has notice of the order, from performing, playing, or broadcasting musical works for which IMRO says it owns the copyright, at the event.

The injunction application, which was expected to be opposed, was due to be heard before the High Court next week. However on Thursday, Mr Justice Mark Sanfey was told that the case had been settled and could be struck out.

In its action, IMRO claimed that several dozen musical works which it holds copyright over on behalf of its members will be played during the three-day event.

IMRO alleged that the organisers had failed to obtain a required licence from it, which would allow those works to be performed at the 2024 event.

IMRO had further claimed that unless the defendants were restrained by the court from playing the copyrighted material or unless the organisers obtain a licence, the plaintiff's rights will be substantially breached.

Forest Fest, the court heard, features a host of musicians, performers, and DJs including Ash, The Undertones, The Divine Comedy, EMF, The Cult, the Human League, Something Happens, the Stunning, Stereo MCs, Paul Brady, and Tony Hadley.