Information getting to us from Nigeriafilms.com reveals that the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) had dragged Silverbird Communications Ltd, owners of Silverbird Television and Rhythm FM across the country in a lawsuit against a copyright infringement by Silverbird. Also joined in the suit is the organization’s Chairman, Mr. Ben Murray Bruce.
According to the lawsuit filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos on July 18, 2012 by Lagos IP lawyer, Mr. Justin Ige COSON is asking for the award of more than three billion naira in unpaid royalties and damages against Silverbird Communications Ltd and its owners for the unauthorized copying, broadcast and infringement of the copyright in the musical works and sound recordings belonging to COSON members, affiliates and assignors.
Speaking on the development, COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji said, ”We have been very patient with music users in Nigeria, but that has not yielded much results. It is time people realized that at COSON we stand by our words.
“If anyone pushes us, we will push back. We have opened our doors wide and still continue to keep them open to all who are willing to discuss with us and legally deploy music in their businesses. Those who respect us will receive respect from us. Those who treat the music industry with contempt will get what they deserve’’.
It will be recalled that in June, 2012, COSON instituted a billion naira lawsuit against Globe Broadcasting & Communications Ltd, owners of the Wazobia FM stations across Nigeria.
A week later, COSON filed a two billion naira action against Steam Broadcasting & Communications Ltd owners of Cool FM. The Wazobia FM action has been resolved out of court and a big copyright royalty agreement signing ceremony is scheduled to hold in Lagos between COSON and the owners of Wazobia FM on Monday, July 23.
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