COSON Files 10 Billion Naira Suit Against DAAR Communications Plc

joanngomba

October 16, 2013 8:41 AM

Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON)DAAR Communications Plc

DAAR Communications Plc operates companies such as Ray Power Fm, Faaji Fm, and Nigeria’s biggest TV station, Africa Independent Television (A.I.T).

The suit, No. FHC/L/CS/1392/13 filed on October 7, 2013 on behalf of COSON at the Federal High Court, Lagos by crack Intellectual Property lawyer, Mr. Justin Ige, is the biggest known copyright infringement action ever in the African continent.

In the action, COSON is asking for the sum of N724, 500, 000. 00 (Seven Hundred and Twenty Four Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) being amount due as royalties or license fees.

The suit comes in the light of COSON’s fight for the rights of Nigerian musicians earning from what they do as against media station airing musical videos and audios without the consent of these artistes or proper paper works signed prior to airing.

COSON is also asking for general and exemplary damages and a perpetual injunction restraining Ray Power FM, Faaji FM and A.I.T managed by Chief Raymond Dokpesi, their agents, privies or servants from further or other unauthorized copying, broadcast of musical works or sound recordings belonging to the members, affiliates and assignors of COSON.

Commenting on the development, COSON General Manager, Mr Chinedu Chukwuji said, ‘I don’t know why people have to wait until things come to a head like this. I guess the belief is that is like some organizations that make noise without acting. At , we are very professional. Our word is our bond. If we tell you that we will take action, we will take action and we will stay on the action till its logical conclusion. We have sworn to defend the rights of musicians and the music industry in Nigeria no matter what it takes. We have the law behind us; we have the musicians of Nigeria behind us; we have the international community behind us and we have God with us. Let it be known that we will not be intimidated by anyone’

there's been no comments from neither nor his managers so far.

Further information will be relayed to you as the story develops. Stay with us!

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