THE LOCAL & FLY

Today’s technology is as much a tragedy as it is a benefit, it just depends on which side you choose. If you are a content creator or scriptwriter for Nigerian movies, then you are at risk of lawsuits and copyright drama especially if you steal other people’s work.

Any intellectual property or material you sought to use for your work whether online or otherwise is probably copyright protected. They could be story, song or film characters. The right to duplicate or modify, any of these items only belongs to the original creator.

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There are myths surrounding the lawsuits and copyright laws of Nigerian movies and stories. You should know that those myths don’t dismiss any copyright laws you violate. Some of them include:

• Finding stories online means they are free: Having access to view people’s work online does not qualify you to use any part of it.
• Using a small portion: This is also a form of stealing.
• Some claim that they can simply write out your name on the credits for a story you wrote for a Nigerian movie or movies. This does not protect you from liability and you could be sued for doing that.
• Advertising or sharing someone’s work will automatically grant you permission to use them: This is simply an excuse by people who steal stories in Nollywood. If the content owner knows their rights, then this is the point where they should usually seek damages.

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How can a scriptwriter in Nollywood avoid copyright infringement and lawsuits?

If you’ve created a story and someone has used a portion or all of your work without your permission, they may already be violating your rights whether they know it or not. However, you can stay out of trouble and copyright lawsuits if you know these things:

• The laws surrounding copyright infringement.
• Your rights. Written consent from you, the copyright holder is the only permission that allows them to use your work.
• Don’t use materials you find carelessly, and think about the consequences of carelessness.
• If you are an amateur who intends to earn a living in Nollywood by creating stories, you can choose to license your work to others to make them into movies. If your work is abused, you are entitled to benefits.
• Before presenting a script to a producer or a potential buyer, get a consent report and insurance.
• The stories you create are original and they have value, don’t let anyone devalue them with lies and myths.

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