Copyright Licensing in Schools
Schools use a wide range of printed, digital, musical and audio-visual resources as part of teaching and school activities. Copyright law protects many of these resources, and schools may require specific licences to use, copy, share or display them legally.
The information below provides an overview of some of the most common copyright licences used in schools.
ICLA – Irish Copyright Licensing Agency
The Irish Copyright Licensing Agency (ICLA) licence allows schools to copy and share extracts from copyright-protected books, journals, magazines, newspapers, websites and other published materials within the scope of the licence.
The Department of Education and Youth purchases a central ICLA licence on behalf of recognised primary and post-primary schools participating in the Free Education Scheme.
Click here for further information.
MPLC – Motion Picture Licence
The Motion Picture Licensing Company (MPLC) licence covers the showing of films, videos, DVDs and downloaded content outside of the educational exemption.
Copyright legislation provides a limited educational exemption where copyrighted material is shown solely for teaching, instruction, study or research purposes as part of the curriculum. This exemption is narrowly defined and generally applies only where the material is being shown to pupils for educational purposes within the classroom setting.
Film screenings that are not covered by the educational exemption may require a separate licence from MPLC. This can include activities such as:
- Movie nights
- Fundraising events
- School celebrations
- After-school activities
- Community events
Can a school show a film as a fundraiser?
Licensing requirements will depend on the nature of the event and who is attending. Schools should contact MPLC directly before organising film screenings, movie nights or fundraising events to ensure the appropriate licence is in place.
Further information is available from MPLC Ireland.
TV Licence
A school requires a TV licence if it has a television set on the premises.
A TV licence is generally not required where content is viewed solely on a computer, projector, interactive whiteboard or similar device, provided there is no television set that requires licensing.
Schools should ensure that any television sets on school premises are appropriately licensed.