The Music Publishers Association of Nigeria has instituted a legal suit before a Federal High Court Lagos, against the Copyright Society of Nigeria over royalty distribution policy.
In the suit filed FHC/L/CS/1418/19 by plaintiff’s counsel, Olumide Mustapha, MPAN sought an order of curt to declare as illegal, COSON’s practice of “General Distribution” of royalties.
It also seeks the court to abolish COSON’s practice of General Distribution, thereby freeing and making more funds available for increased (Specific) royalty distribution to deserving COSON members.
MPAN also averred that the manner of “General Distribution”, does not reflect the usage of the works covered by the defendant’s repertoire, and is not based on information furnished by its users.
Plaintiff is therefore, seeking a determination, whether, by virtue of the provisions of Regulations 15 (1) & (2) of the Copyright Regulations 2007, the defendant’s manner of distribution is legal.
It seeks a declaration that the defendant’s manner of royalties distribution, known as ‘General Distribution’ or however so called, is not based on information furnished by its users, and so, is illegal.
MPAN, consequently, seeks an order, prohibiting COSON from further distributing royalties in such manner, as it does not reflect the usage of works covered by the defendant’s repertoire and not based on information furnished by users.
No date has been fixed for hearing of the new suit.
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