New CIRG Video: Legal Challenges of Adaptations
21. 10. 2026
When do you need permission to use someone else's writing? What rules apply when portraying real people? And where are the limits of artistic freedom?
In a new CIRG video, screenwriter Marek Epstein and legal expert Jan Barták discuss the legal risks of film and theatre productions inspired by real events. Drawing on Epstein’s play Milena, which explores the lives of Milena Jesenská and her daughter Jana Černá, they explain the difference between original works and adaptations, the rules for quoting copyrighted material, and the protection of personality rights. The video offers practical advice on how to address legal issues during the creative process and avoid disputes that could jeopardize the release or staging of a completed work.
You can find this and other educational videos offering practical advice for creators in the CIRG video gallery.
Cirg - about
CIRG – the Cultural Industries Research Group focuses on research into cultural and media industries, particularly on current issues, challenges, and conflicts arising from tensions between intellectual property law, the business models of cultural industries, the digitalization and platformization of cultural sectors, and changing consumer habits. The group’s name is an acronym of its English title, Cultural Industries Research Group. CIRG is an informal association of experts from media studies, intellectual property law, media law, media ethics, cultural economics and cultural management, sociology of culture, and data analysis. The group operates on the basis of project-based funding through applied research projects (TAČR, NAKI, EEA and Norway Grants, OP JAK Intersectoral Cooperation), basic research projects (GAČR, ZIF Bielefeld, OP VVV Excellent Research, DFG), as well as contract research (State Cinematography Fund, Association of Audiovisual Producers).
get involved
Screen Industries in Central and Eastern Europe Research Group
SIRG
Charles University
Department of Film Studies
Lab head: Petr Szczepanik
sirg@ff.cuni.cz
PhD
We offer the opportunity to pursue doctoral study focused on developing and carrying out your own research projects in the field of cultural and media industries. The programme can be undertaken at Palacký University Olomouc, Charles University, or the Prague University of Economics and Business under the supervision of leading experts in media studies, cultural economics, digital ethics, and copyright law.
moreStudent Legal Clinic for Authors and Performing Artists
The Student Legal Clinic focuses on a wide range of legal issues, including copyright law. Supervisors overseeing the preparation of each legal opinion are always experts in the relevant field of law. The advice is provided free of charge.
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