- Copyright Commission update Abuja Printers, Book Sellers, on Copyright Related Businesses and Compliance to the Copyright Act
In line with its renewed commitment to strengthen enforcement operation across the country, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has urged printers, book sellers, copyright related business owners and all stakeholders to uphold the provisions of the Copyright Act.
NCC said that the rules and regulations are the ones guiding their operations.
Head of Operations of the Commission, Mr. Femi Ajala said this after an inspection, sensitisation and compliance exercise around the F.C.T. Abuja.
He noted that the exercise is aimed at enlightening stakeholders on the rules of engagement in preparation of an upcoming strategic copyright enforcement action across the country.
According to him, the exercise targeted premises and outlets dealing in copyright materials, revealed widespread breaches of the law and a lack of compliance among businesses.
He observed that many printing outfits visited were not keeping registers of their works, as required by Section 48 of the Copyright Act and warned that after the inspections the Commission will focus on enforcement, and penalties for infringement will be strictly applied.
“The least we have now is a hundred thousand per copy of the infringing works that are in your possession by the time the Copyright Commission catches you,” it won’tbe funny.
“The commission is not asking them to go out of business, but what the commission is saying is: go by the tenets and the principles guiding your business, so that your business can flourish,” he said.
Mr. Ajala also highlighted the growing trend of online piracy, with significant losses in billions of dollars.
“To be honest with you, we can’t put pen to paper on that. It’s unquantifiable because it cuts across.
“Now, the new trend is even online sales. I can tell you, the loss is in billions of dollars because it cuts across genres,” he noted.
The HOD Operations, said there is need for transparency and compliance.
He said the Commission is calling on intending pirates, copyright infringing businesses, and the general public to take note of the Commission’s efforts to protect intellectual property rights and desist from all from illegal activities.
“If you want to deal in books, let us see the books. If it’s stationeries, let us see that it’s stationeries,” he advised.
He urged everybody to join hands in promoting a culture of respect for creativity and copyright.
He gave assurances that the Commission remains committed to protecting the rights of creators and ensuring that businesses operate within the law.
He emphases on NCC continuing to intensify its efforts to address piracy.
Again at the enlightenment exercise at the Commerce Market, Area 1, F.C.T. Abuja, the Chairman Printers Association of Nigeria (PAN) Mr. Ruben Omenefu appreciated the Commission for coming to enlighten stakeholders in the market.
He noted that so many printers are ignorant of the provisions of the Copyright Act.
Mr. Omenefu who was joined by other executive members of the Association, urged that Commission to come to back on a scheduled appointed to enlighten members, to which both sides agreed to hold a formal training session soonest.
However, over 20 book outlets, printing outlets and artwork stands; in markets, bookshops, printing press and road side artwork vendors were sensitised during the exercise