The Linda Ikeji story…bloggers beware By Justin akpovi-esade ...Mr. Rockson Igelige, a Westminster University, UK trained Entertainment lawyer had this to say on the issue. “The Linda Ikeji`s Blog brouhaha should be a wake-up call to all persons in Nigeria as regards issues relating to Intellectual property theft, that we have taken for granted for too long. It is sad that Ms Ikeji of all people got involved in that scandal. The whole essence of intellectual property law is to ensure that copyright holders` works are not misappropriated as to guarantee or constitute an incentive to encourage them.” “It is clear that her Blog was shut down due to copyright related issues and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) was invoked. The DMCA is a United States copyright law that implements two 1996 treaties of the WIPO. And its main thrust is to shift criminal liability in whatever form from internet service providers and other intermediaries to the doer.” Igelige said the copyright holder of the work she allegedly misappropriated can file an action against her for damages and can also secure an injunction stopping her from further use of the work. “In Nigeria, the legal frame work regulating the above issue is the Nigerian Copyright Acts, 2004 and the different International Treaties signed by Nigeria. Section 5(3) of the Act can take care of a case like this. Although to the best of my knowledge, it has not been tasted judicially. But the many International Treaties Nigeria is signatory to can cure this.” It may not come that as the complainant and Ikeji according to reports have resolved the issue.
Posted on: Sat, 25 Oct 2014 11:26:53 +0000
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