Copyright is a bundle of rights which the author or originator of certain intellectual works is entitled to. These intellectual works include musical works; films; photographs; literary works, such as novels, sound recordings, and so on. Such creations are the fulcrum of the entertainment and advertising industries; accordingly, legal developments in the Nigerian copyright regime have a consequential effect on both industries.
Until recently, copyright was regulated by the Copyright Act of 1999 (the “Old Act”), an outdated piece of legislation which failed to address several copyright issues that had arisen with technological advancements. It was therefore a great day for all IP stakeholders when the new Copyright Act 2022 (the “New Act”) was signed into law on March 17, 2023.
While some of the provisions of the New Act are adaptations of the provisions contained in the Old Act, the New Act includes several novel provisions which have a significant impact on the entertainment and advertisement industries. Some of these key provisions and their impact are highlighted below.
WORKS PROTECTED UNDER THE COPYRIGHT ACT
