HOW TO REGISTER A COPYRIGHT IN NIGERIA
The Copyright Act LFN 2004 is the apex law that governs, protects copyrights in Nigeria, while the regulatory agency that supervises copyright registration in Nigeria is the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC).
HOW TO REGISTER A COPYRIGHT IN NIGERIA
A copyright is a legal right that grants the creator of an original work the exclusive right for a fixed number of years the rights to its use and distribution. The Copyright Act LFN 2004 is the apex law that governs, protects copyrights in Nigeria, while the regulatory agency that supervises copyright registration in Nigeria is the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC). The Copyright Act (the Act) makes provisions for the protection, transfer, infringement, and remedies for infringement of copyrights in Nigeria.
WORKS THAT CAN BE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT ARE THE FOLLOWING:
Literary work
Artistic work such as visual arts, painting, drawing, work of architecture, craftsmanship, sculpture et.c
Sound recording
Cinematography work
Broadcasts
FUNCTIONS OF THE NIGERIAN COPYRIGHT COMMISSION (NCC): PURSUANT TO SECTION 34(3) OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT, ARE:
The Commission shall be responsible for all matters affecting Copyright in Nigeria.
Monitor and supervise Nigeria's position in relating to international convention and advised Government.
Advise and regulate conditions for the conclusion of bilateral and multilateral agreements between Nigeria and any other Country.
Enlighten and inform the public on matters relating to Copyright
Maintain an effective data bank on authors and their works.
Be responsible for such other matters as relating to Copyright in Nigeria as the Minister may, from time to time, direct.
HOW TO REGISTER A COPYRIGHT IN NIGERIA
To register for copyright protection in Nigeria, it could be done through a physical registration to an agent for registration to any branch to the Nigerian Copyright Commission Office. The following document are to be submitted to the commission for registration
A complete registrations form
Copies of your original work
Evidence of payment of the prescribed fee
DURATION OF COPYRIGHT PROTECTION IN NIGERIA
The owner of a work does not enjoy an indefinite right on it, as such his exclusive right has a duration of time attached to it. Following registration, the licence holder's rights are only valid for as long as they are alive and for 70 years after their passing. For films, sound recordings, performances, the holder enjoys Copyright for 50 years from the time the work was first published.
NB: This article is not a legal advice, and under no circumstance should you take it as such. All information provided are for general purpose only. For information, please contact chamanlawfirm@gmail.com
WRITTEN BY CHAMAN LAW FIRM TEAM
EMAIL: chamanlawfirm@gmail.com
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