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Browse our 3 legal questions about Copyright in Nigeria and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.
The Copyright law in Ilorin, Nigeria, is governed by the federal Copyright Act of Nigeria, which applies nationwide. The act provides legal protection for original, creative works such as music, literature, cinematography, and artistic works. The law safeguards the rights of authors by prohibiting unauthorized usage or reproduction of copyrighted works, thereby ensuring that they receive the due credit and financial benefit of their creations.
Expert legal advice is needed to navigate many circumstances related to copyright. If you are an author or a creator of an original work, you may require a lawyer to help legally protect your creative piece from unauthorized copying or use. Additionally, if your copyrighted work is being used without permission, a lawyer can assist you in taking legal action against the offender. On the contrary, if you are accused of violating someone else's copyright, you may also need legal support to defend your case.
Under Nigeria's copyright law, it is illegal to reproduce, publish, perform, or broadcast any copyrighted work without the permission of the copyright owner. The copyright protection lasts for the author's lifetime plus 70 years post mortem. However, for sound recordings, broadcast reproductions, or films, the protection lasts for 50 years from the end of the year it was made or first made available to the public. Accused copyright infringers can be subject to criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Under Nigerian Copyright law, copyright protection is automatic upon the creation of an original work. However, for legal and evidentiary reasons, it is advisable to deposit a copy of your work with the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) via their voluntary copyright notification scheme.
Copyright infringement occurs when a third party uses, reproduces, distributes, broadcasts, or performs copyrighted work without the explicit permission of the copyright owner.
If you face copyright infringement, you can take civil action against the infringer. Damages, accounts of profits, and/or an injunction restraining the infringer from further use of your copyrighted work can be obtained. In some cases, criminal sanction may apply, especially when the infringement is deliberate and for commercial gain.
Using copyrighted material without permission is generally illegal. However, there are exceptions for private use, research, criticism, or review and reporting of current events, provided the source is acknowledged. But this does not apply to entire works such as books or music albums.
Yes, like any other property, copyrighted work can be sold, transferred, or leased to another party. This is often done through a copyright licensing agreement.
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) is the main regulatory body in the field of copyright in Nigeria. Regulations, registration services, copyright notification, and detailed information about Copyright law can be accessed through their website. It is advisable to consult a legal professional or a law firm that specializes in Intellectual Property rights in Ilorin for more personalized advice.
If you need legal assistance in any matter concerning copyright, consult a lawyer who specializes in intellectual property law. They will guide you on your rights, possible legal actions, defenses available to you, and the legal procedures to follow. Remember to carry all related documents when meeting your lawyer for the first time. It is also advisable to document any instances of copyright infringement to strengthen your case.
