Motion Pictures Association granted injunction over copyright piracy

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

The Motion Pictures Association secured a High Court injunction over widespread copyright infringement at the Commercial Court on 15 January 2018. The orders require internet service providers to block or disable access by subscribers in Ireland to several websites involved in streaming, downloading or peer-to-peer distribution of unauthorised films and television programmes.

Mr Justice Brian McGovern granted the orders after finding significant public-interest grounds, including protecting copyright holders’ livelihoods and legitimate distributors. The blocked websites included GoMovies, Rarbg, EZTV and Watchfree, while the proceedings were brought against eight internet service providers; none opposed the application.