Legal Framework for Music Licensing and Protection of Creatives in the Nigerian Music Industry

Abstract

Nigeria is richly endowed with creative talents. So far, there is an increased reward for creativity in different dimensions especially the entertainment industry. This factor is necessitated by the fact that various nations of the world have come to realize the socioeconomic benefit of the industry and the internet has been the key driver of this emerging market. However, there is a problem of, creatives having inadequate knowledge and understanding of the laws that protect them and their intellectual property in the Entertainment Industry, hence they end up settling for less and getting ripped off by entertainment stakeholders like record labels and management companies. This article entitled: “Legal Framework For Music Licensing and Protection of Creatives in the Nigerian Entertainment Industry” will be undertaken to look into music licensing in the music industry as well as the laws that protect creatives in the Entertainment Industry. The Objective of this article is to review the applicable laws relevant to the protection of the Intellectual Property of Creatives in the Nigerian Entertainment Industry and their impact on the Nigerian Entertainment Industry.
In pursuit of the above, the article is descriptive in nature and also the primary and secondary sources of law would be examined in order to properly educate creatives on the legal framework of creatives in the Entertainment Industry.

Keywords: Creatives, Music Licensing, Intellectual Property, Entertainment Industry, Record Label