Broadcast Permission Application for Land & Property IP

Understanding the Publishing 4 Application Form for Broadcasting Land & Property Services (LPS)/Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland® (OSNI®) Branded IP

The Publishing 4 form is an official document issued by the Department of Finance Northern Ireland, specifically through the Land & Property Services (LPS), designed for entities seeking permission to broadcast land and property information protected by intellectual property rights. This application process ensures compliance with legal frameworks and maintains the integrity of publicly held geographic and property data.

When to Use the Publishing 4 Form

The form is primarily used by broadcasters, media producers, or any organisation intending to include LPS/OSNI® branded intellectual property (IP) in a television or radio programme, online broadcast, or multimedia presentation. It is essential when the IP involved is based on land maps, aerial photographs, orthophotography, or other geographic data produced or licensed by LPS/OSNI®. This process applies before the publication or broadcast of content that features such protected material.

Key Information Required in the Application

Applicants must provide comprehensive details to facilitate the approval process. The form requests:

• Applicant Details: including company or organisation name, address, contact person, VAT registration number, email, and telephone number.
• Intellectual Property Data: specific information about the IP to be used, such as the name and year of the publication, map sheet or plan number, scale, aerial photograph file or frame number, orthophotography tile number, etc.
• Broadcasting Information: details about the programme, broadcaster, first broadcast date, and whether the programme will be repeated or made available online on demand.

Applicants are advised to carefully read the accompanying Publishing Guidance Notes before submitting their application, ensuring all relevant details are accurately completed.

Application Submission and Timeline

Applications must be submitted to the IPR Branch at the specified address or via email. Once permission is granted, the applicant has a six-month window from the date of permit issuance to produce and broadcast the content. Failure to do so within this period will result in expiry of the permit, requiring a new application.

It is recommended to confirm the publication date with LPS’ IPR Branch if there are any changes to the original schedule. Should the applicant decide not to proceed with the publication, written notification must be provided to avoid unnecessary charges.

Legal and Financial Considerations

Using LPS/OSNI® IP without proper permission constitutes a breach of copyright law, specifically the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended. Unauthorized use may lead to criminal or civil proceedings. Consequently, applicants must pay a set copyright royalty fee, the details of which are outlined separately on the Department of Finance’s website.

Additionally, applicants are liable for a minimum fee if they decide not to proceed with the publication after submitting their application. Payment must be made in accordance with the department’s sales policy, without deductions or set-offs.

Conditions for Use and Acknowledgement

When broadcasting or publishing LPS/OSNI® IP, the applicant must include appropriate acknowledgements, such as referencing the Irish Grid system when maps are involved. All uses of the IP must adhere to the conditions specified in the Broadcasting Publishing Permit, including the proper attribution of Crown Copyright and LPS rights.

Data Protection and Privacy

The application process involves the collection of personal data, which will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR. Applicants should review the privacy statement provided by LPS. If personal data is incorporated into the broadcast or publication, the applicant assumes responsibility for ensuring compliance with data protection obligations.

Summary

The Publishing 4 application form is a crucial step for broadcasters and media producers intending to use protected land and property data from LPS/OSNI®. It ensures legal compliance, proper attribution, and respect for intellectual property rights. Careful completion of the form, adherence to the guidelines, and timely submission are essential for securing the necessary permissions to broadcast geographic and property information legally and ethically.