A Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned further
proceedings till November 23, 2015, in an alleged copyright
infringement suit filed by a popular Nigerian musician, Paul
I.K. Dairo, against a telecommunications company, Etisalat.
The multiple award-winning artiste is seeking an order of
the court compelling Etisalat and others to pay him
N200m for allegedly making use of his 2009 hit track,
“Mosorire” without his authorisation.
Paul Play claimed that Etisalat used “Mosorire” in its
popular television reality show, tagged, “Nigerian Idol” for
two consecutive years without paying him.
Joined with Etisalat in the suit marked FHC/CS/581/2014
is Optima Media Group, which is the organiser of Nigerian
Idol.
Optima Media Group has however filed an application
urging the court to join the Copyright Society of Nigeria as
a defendant in the suit.
Optima Media Group, which is the organiser of Nigerian
Idol, sponsored by Etisalat, claimed to have obtained the
licence to use the Paul Play’s track from COSON.
Justice Aneke on Wednesday adjourned till November 23,
2015 to hear the application seeking to join COSON.
Paul Play, in the affidavit filed in support of his suit and
deposed to by himself, averred that, “I am the copyright
owner of the work named and tagged “Mosorire”, contained
in my repertoire, exclusively for the jurisdiction of Nigeria
and the authority or permission to exploit such work can
only be obtained from me.
“However, the defendants being an organiser of a television
reality show tagged, “Nigerian Idol” caused the use,
adaptation and deployment of my said work, titled
“Mosorire” on the said show without my consent, and
which was broadcast to several millions of television
viewers throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the
rest of Africa for 2012 and 2013 editions.”
The artiste said the defendants particularly infringed on his
copyright when they allowed one of the contestants on the
show to reproduce and perform his song in the glare of the
whole nation and beyond.
Paul Play averred that as a singer and composer, he was
entitled to an annual fee of N100m on the said track, to
commensurate with his effort in putting the work together.
He however averred that having made use of his work
without obtaining permission from him, the defendants had
caused him loss of income while “they have made gains
and improved on their own brand image.”
The artiste therefore sought a declaration of the court that
the use of his song without authorisation constituted an
infringement of his copyright, as guaranteed by the
Copyright Act, Cap C28, Laws of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria, 2004 and sections 6 (6) (b) and 44 of the 1999
Constitution.

http://www.punchng.com/news/copyright-court-adjourns-paul-plays-case-against-etisalat/

Ok

Opportunity comes but once!

I been tink say I no sabi the clear meaning of wailing-wailer...
Now I know...

hehe, so something wey happen since 2012 and 2013, na now him remember say dem play the song without him consent.

Hmm. him for just tell them say in dey broke or need big money sharp sharp.

.