COPYRIGHT owners and stakeholders in the creative industry have been encouraged to uphold and comply with the provisions of the new Copyright Act 2022 as a favourable instrument in place to strengthen creative enterprises across the country.
Director, Kaduna Office (DKO) of the Commission, Mrs. Susan Bashorun made the call while representing the DG NCC, Dr. John O. Asein at the 6th Kaduna International Film Festival, themed: The Globalisation of Films and it’s Impact on the world, held August 22nd 2023.
The DKO enlightened the audience on the basics of Copyright, the improvements introduced in the New Copyright Act with specific reference to audio visual rights and online infringement of films.
Mrs. Bashorun assured that the NCC will continue to frown at piracy and other forms of intellectual Property theft. She further explained that the provisions of the new copyright Act, 2022 further protects the interest of creatives and provides stringent punishment for criminal infringements.
She admonished right owners to take advantage of the e-registration platform provided by the Commission for registration of copyright works and also visit the Commission offices nearest to them or the website to acquaint themselves with necessary information about the mandates and duties of the NCC.
Highlighting some advantages of the Copyright e-registration, Mrs Susan Bashorun, noted that the certificate issued by the commoission can serve as proof of ownership in court where there is dispute over ownership of a copyright work. She therefore urged owners of copyright works to support the efforts of the Commission by joining the various Enlightenment and Anti-Piracy campaigns and key into its programmes.
The event was well attended by several stakeholders in the Film industry, Federal Government Agencies, State Government Agencies. Deliberations at the program were centered on: protection of screen plays, scripts and videos/cinematography.

Esan Omoyemi