Business
THE Director General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Dr. John O. Asein has warned Booksellers, Schools Owners/Proprietors and other stakeholders in the entire book value chain to carry out due diligence when transacting book business and always ensure proper documentation to avoid cases of copyright violations.
The warning was made at separate interactive sessions with representatives of various Booksellers’ Associations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs and representatives of National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) held on 29th and 30th of August, 2024, respectively.
The DG, who was represented by the Director of Operations, Mr. Emeka D. Ogbonna drew attention of the participants to the enormity of piracy in the book industry and the urgent need to stem the tide. He emphasised that it is imperative to protect the rights of authors and provide safe corridors for trade in the creative industry.
The DG’s representative reminded the participants of the new Copyright Act which provides stiffer penalties for criminal infringements and other provisions such as: sealing up premises, going after the proceeds of crimes, dealing with suspected materials summarily amongst others.
Speaking on the recent enforcement actions in Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan, Benin, Kaduna and other parts of the country where large consignments of pirated books were confiscated, Mr. Ogbonna stated that it was aimed at creating a piracy free environment to enable creativity thrive. The exercise, he noted, will enable copyright owners reap the economic benefits of their intellectual property.
He assured publishers and other copyright owners of the commitment of the Commission and implored stakeholder groups, particularly those of publishers, printers and booksellers to join hands with the Commission to guarantee protection of their works.
Mr. Ogbonna urged right owners to embrace proactive business solutions to make it easier for the consuming public and enforcement agencies to identify illicit materials while urging the general public to report any suspicious activity in the book chain to the Commission.
A.I
Sept. 27, 2024
Tags: Dr. John O. Asein Mr. Emeka D. Ogbonna
