Public Consultation on certain permitted uses of works and other subject-matter protected by copyright and related rights for the benefit of persons who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print disabled Directive (EU) 2017/1564 implementing the Marrakesh Treaty

The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation invites submissions to a public consultation on the transposition of Directive (EU) 2017/1564 into Irish law.

The Directive provides for mandatory exceptions to copyright and related rights protection to permit the reproduction, distribution and making available of published works in formats designed to be accessible to the blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print-disabled or persons with a physical disability that prevents them from holding and manipulating a book. As a direct result of these exceptions it will be possible for copies of works made available in accessible formats (for example, braille, large print or audiobook) in one Member State to be disseminated and accessed throughout the EU without prior permission from rightholders.

The deadline for the transposition of the Directive into domestic law by Member States is 11 October 2018.

The closing date for submissions is Wednesday 24 January 2018. Respondents are requested to make their submission in writing, preferably by email to copyright@dbei.gov.ie.

Published by Innovation and Investment Division

Topics: Intellectual Property