Culled from thenetngdotcom
The Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) appears to be on the rampage, with multi-million naira lawsuits targeted at radio and TV stations.
The organization has filed a copyright infringement suit against Silverbird Communications. COSON is suing for the media group for N3bn.
The lawsuit, which also names the organization’s Chairman, Ben Murray-Bruce was filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos, on July 18, 2012, by Lagos IP lawyer, Justin Ige of Creative Legal, Seun Omotoba & Co., the same counsel which filed the Wazobia N500m lawsuit.
COSON is asking for the award of more
than N3bn in allegedly unpaid royalties and damages ‘for the
unauthorized copying, broadcast and infringement of the copyright in the
musical works and sound recordings belonging to COSON members,
affiliates and assignors.’
In a statement, COSON chairman Tony Okoroji said ‘We
have been very patient with music users in Nigeria, but that has not
yielded much results. It is time people realized that at COSON we stand
by our words. We are committed to the defence of the rights of the music
industry in Nigeria no matter what it takes. If anybody pulls at us, we
will pull back. If anyone pushes us, we will push back. We have opened
our doors wide and still continue to keep them open to all who are
willing to discuss with us and legally deploy music in their businesses.
Those who respect us will receive respect from us. Those who treat the
music industry with contempt will get what they deserve.’
Silverbird are the owners of Silverbird Television and Rhythm FM, with stations across the country.
In June, 2012, COSON instituted a
billion naira lawsuit against Globe Broadcasting & Communications
Ltd, owners of Wazobia FM stations across Nigeria.
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