GAA clampdown on image rights to stamp out profiteering

THE GAA moved yesterday to protect the copyright of both the Association and it’s players by announcing a clampdown on the illegal usage of images from games for profit.

Newspapers seeking to cover Sunday week’s All-Ireland hurling final have been told they can only cover the event “on the express condition that any photo taken during or in connection with the final which displays GAA logos or which contains images of a GAA player/players in their playing uniforms may only be used for editorial and non-advertising purposes.”

The instruction warns that “the use of photographs for advertising, as posters or for purchase separately is strictly prohibited unless prior written approval has been obtained from the GAA.”

The move is aimed at ensuring participating teams receive a fair share of any profits which may be accrued from products bearing their images and that all photographs taken are used in a proper manner.

“This is a new policy aimed at tightening up what has been a grey and problematic area,” GAA spokesperson Fergal McGill said yesterday.

“We are aiming to prevent people with no relation, or loyalty to the GAA from exploiting the players, the clubs and the Association itself.

“This is with specific reference to the unofficial calendars of teams which have made some individuals very wealthy but the people who are featured in it receive none of the monies.”

There has been a steady growth in the number of such products in recent years, as the improvements in photographic and computer technology, make such items easier to produce on a large scale.

“There was a case last year where people who bought ads in such a product were actually told that some of the money was going back into the clubs and the Association,” he added. “Sadly that was not the case. The money was going into the pockets of the individuals concerned.”

Any individual or club bidding to produce such a calendar can still do so, provided they approach Croke Park and are granted an official licence.

Mr McGill also confirmed that Association chiefs had discussed the issue with their counterparts in a number of other sporting organisations.

“Naturally we did discuss the matter. I am not going to say who with, but yes, we have looked at other methods and we have taken advice from various people and organisations in a bid to get the best agreement possible.”

GPA chief Dessie Farrell welcomed the move, adding: “We have advocated this for some time. If anything, it is long overdue.”