29/05/2023
WHY DO I NEED COPYRIGHT?
In this day and age of the internet, proof of copyright is absolutely necessary as the publication, distribution and theft of work is so easy. Your work must be officially copyrighted to deter plagarism, and to prove you are the original creator/author in the event that someone accuses you of copying their work, or when somebody copies your work
WHAT IS COPYRIGHT?
Copyright is a legal right that grants the creator of an original work exclusive right to its use and distribution, usually for a limited time. The exclusive rights are not absolute but subject to certain limitations.
In Nigeria, Copyright is governed by the Copyright Act and the body charged with the enforcement and protect of copyright is the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC).
Ownership of a copyright is vested o the creator of a copyright work, usually referred to as the “author” of the work. He/she owns the copyright in the work in the first instance. However, the author is at liberty to transfer its right to a third party. In such a case, the person who has obtained the right by transfer or other legal means becomes the owner of the copyright.
Works are eligible for copyright protection includes;
Literary works
Musical works
Artistic works
Cinematograph films
Sound recordings and
Broadcast
For it to be eligible for protection, the work must be sufficiently original and must be in a form which is expressed e.g in writing, a painting, a musical recording etc. you cant have copyright protection over something in your head, which has not been expressed. Originality and expression are the key pillars for eligibility.
HOW COPYRIGHT PROTECTS YOUR WORKS:
It prevents people from:
Copying your work
Distributing copies of it, whether free of charge or for sale
Lending or renting copies of your work
Performing, showing or playing your work in public
Making an adaptation of your work.
COPYRIGHT REGISTRATION PROCESS
You can register your copyright with the NCC by submitting a completed registration form, two (2) copies of your work, payment of prescribed fees and some other requirements. This can be done online or physically at the NCC office.
In this day and age of the internet, proof of copyright is absolutely necessary as the publication, distribution and theft of work is so easy. Your work must be officially copyrighted to deter plagarism, and to prove you are the original creator/author in the event that someone accuses you of copying their work, or when somebody copies your work.
