IP and music: Feel the beat of IP
World Intellectual Property Day is a unique opportunity to celebrate the contributions made by inventors and creators around the world and to explore the important role that a balanced IP protection system plays in recognising and rewarding inventors and creators for their work and to ensure that society benefits from their creativity and ingenuity.
This year’s World IP Day theme is IP and music: Feel the beat of IP.
Music is a universal form of creative expression and Ireland has a proud tradition of music, songwriters and performers. The origins of Irish music can be traced back over 2,000 years, rooted in our Celtic traditions where it was used as a form of storytelling and spiritual expression. Ireland has produced some incredible music success stories over the years, both in traditional and contemporary genres; from traditional folk tunes to global pop and rock stardom, Irish artists have made a significant mark on the music world.
Copyright protection provides artists, composers and music producers and performers with exclusive rights regarding the ownership, reproduction, distribution, public performance and adaptation of their works. It enables rightsholders to monetise their music by granting others permission to use their music through licensing agreements. Musicians may also seek to register a trade mark in the name of an artist, band name or logo.
The music industry is consistently evolving due to the creativity of artists and producers, breakthroughs in technology and new innovative approaches to music production. IP protections must continue to safeguard the creative endeavours of songwriters, composers, performers and producers so that their work is recognised and protected against infringement.
On World IP Day, April 26, we celebrate the contributions of creators, inventors, and entrepreneurs who are pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity to make music that brings people together, drives change, and inspires a more innovative future.
More information on how to protect your intellectual property rights can be found on Intellectual Property Office of Ireland.
Find out more about World IP Day on World Intellectual Property Day - April 26, 2025.