In a significant legal victory for filmmaker, Chineye ‘Chi Chi’ Nworah and her production company, GCM Giant Creative Media Limited, the Nigerian Trademark Registry and the Nigerian Copyright Commission ruled against Nollywood actress, Ini Edo, over the ownership of Netflix original, ‘Shanty Town’.
This follows a series of legal battles initiated by Ini Edo and Minnie Empire Productions Limited (MEP), who laid claims to ownership of the trademarks and copyrights associated with ‘Shanty Town.
The Trademark Registry rejected Ini Edo and MEP’s petition regarding trademarks ‘Scar’ NG/TM/O/2023/121745 and ‘Shanty Town’ NG/TM/O/2023/97482 on January 10, 2024, declaring the petition baseless and without merit, and confirming Nworah’s exclusive ownership of these trademarks.
In a separate ruling delivered on July 24, 2024, the NCC dismissed a petition by Ini Edo and MEP concerning the cancellation of two copyright certificates issued to Chinenye Nworah for the literary work “Shanty Town” (Certificate Number LW10177) and the audiovisual work “Shanty Town” (Certificate Number CF1448).
The NCC found no legal grounds for the cancellation and upheld the validity of the certificates, confirming Mrs Nworah’s rightful ownership of these copyrights.
The legal team at Olisa Agbakoba Legal (OAL) played a crucial role in securing these victories for Chinenye Nworah and GCM Giant Creative Media Limited. According to them, the case demonstrates OAL’s commitment to protecting the rights of creative individuals and companies in the face of intellectual property disputes.
The ruling of the Trademark Registry and the decision of the NCC solidifies Mrs Chinenye Nworah’s ownership of intellectual property in relation to the Netflix series; “Shanty Town”.
The successful defence of these claims highlights the importance of protecting creative works and ensuring fair compensation for creatives.
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