ANALYSIS OF LEGAL PLATFORMS FOR EFFECTIVE COPYRIGHT HERITAGE SYSTEM IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Under the Nigerian legal system, copyright law provides for a peculiar proprietary right that secures the owners’ rights for many years after the owner’s demise. The commission or omission of copyright infringement by an individual or corporation could result in the court awarding damages to the owner. Copyright infringement has recently increased due to the extensive use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The courts have become more active than ever in granting remedies to copyright owners when their works are copied without proper permission and acknowledgement. This paper argues that, despite the Nigerian Copyright Act providing numerous remedies for copyright owners, various escape clauses exist, resulting in the owner’s rights not being enforced as intended. The research method employed in this paper focuses on black-letter law and its application by the courts, providing a descriptive and detailed analysis of legal rules in primary sources. Notwithstanding the efficacy of remedies against copyright infringement, there is a need to observe and enforce the rules.