Nigeria: Copyright

This article examines whether Nigerian law recognises post-mortem publicity rights, exploring the legal framework around commercial exploitation of deceased persons' identities. It analyses existing protections under privacy, copyright, trademark and passing off laws, compares international approaches, and argues for statutory recognition of post-mortem publicity rights in Nigeria.

According to statistics, Nigeria currently has more than 28,000 startups across the country[1], making it one of Africa’s strongest destinations for building within the startup ecosystem. Within the last five years alone, 3,735 new companies have been founded and over $213 million in funding has been raised. Additionally, startups in Nigeria have witnessed 203 acquisitions and 247 Initial Public Offerings[2].

A Nigerian Federal High Court has ruled on a high-stakes copyright dispute over the globally acclaimed gospel song "Way Maker," examining whether a music producer's technical contributions to a recording constitute co-authorship. The judgment clarifies the critical distinction between creative authorship and production services in determining copyright ownership. This decision carries significant implications for how the music industry documents and allocates rights between artists and technical contributor

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches its final stages, businesses are launching marketing campaigns, hosting viewing events, and selling merchandise to capitalize on football fever. However, these activities carry significant legal risks including trademark infringement, ambush marketing violations, copyright breaches, and counterfeit merchandise liability that could result in enforcement action, financial losses, and reputational damage.

The landmark case of Cox Communications v. Sony Music Entertainment raises critical questions about the extent of liability internet service providers face when their subscribers...

When actress Anita Joseph used AI to swap her face onto content creator Caramel Plug's birthday photograph, it sparked a viral controversy that exposed critical gaps in how Nigeria's creative industry understands copyright ownership. Under the Copyright Act 2022, the photographer—not the subject—typically owns the image, while AI-generated derivatives exist in a legal gray zone that may leave no one with enforceable rights.

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has announced plans to strengthen enforcement against illegal streaming, cable piracy, and unauthorised public exhibitions using modern regulatory tools.

As Nigeria’s creative economy continues to flourish, its intellectual property landscape is evolving just as rapidly. Yet, when disputes arise, the courtroom demands more than perceived similarities or a sense of unfairness. Under the Copyright Act 2022, the statutory bedrock for protecting creative expressions, a successful infringement claim must be firmly anchored in strict evidentiary proof.

Behind every product, service, or business, there is an intellectual property component. This is not any different for sport business. By sport businesses, we mean all commercial activities in sports.