COPYRIGHT ACT OF NIGERIA, 2023: AN APPRAISAL OF RIGHTS

Abstract

This essay conducts a comprehensive evaluation of the Copyright Act of Nigeria, 2023, which replaced the Copyright Act of 2004. Given the enactment of the 2023 Act, a thorough examination is essential to uncover the advancements it has ushered in. The analysis adopts a doctrinal approach, utilizing the Copyright Act, 2023 as the primary source material. The study reveals that the Act introduces notable developments, including provisions safeguarding digital content, empowering the Copyright Commission to prohibit websites engaging in copyright infringement, and establishing protection for folklore as a traditional cultural expression. An integral finding of the essay is that the Act adeptly addresses the formidable challenges confronted by copyright holders in the digital realm. Significantly, it grants these holders the authority to pursue legal recourse against online infringements of their works. In essence, the Act establishes a robust framework to combat copyright violations in the evolving landscape of digital content dissemination. The essay underscores the transformative impact of the Copyright Act, 2023, asserting that it effectively addresses the intricacies posed by the digital domain. The newfound capabilities granted to copyright holders position them to assert their rights and take legal action against infringements, thereby reinforcing the protection of intellectual property in the contemporary era.