Practice Area
Fashion & Entertainment Law
Protecting creative work, brands and deals
Overview
Fashion and entertainment law brings together intellectual property, contracts and commercial law for creative people and businesses. In Nigeria, creative works are protected under the Copyright Act 2022, administered by the Nigerian Copyright Commission; brand names and logos can be registered as trademarks; and new designs can be registered as industrial designs. We help designers, labels, artists, managers, producers, models and influencers protect what they create and sign deals that work for them.
Learn about Fashion & Entertainment Law
It is the part of law that protects creative work and the business around it: who owns a design, song or film, how it can be used, and how the money is shared.
- It covers intellectual property such as copyright, trademarks and designs.
- It covers the contracts creatives sign with labels, brands, agencies, producers and each other.
- It covers the commercial side: manufacturing, selling, licensing, advertising and online sales.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and legal requirements may vary depending on the circumstances and jurisdiction. Please consult a qualified lawyer for advice about your specific situation.
Services Offered
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register copyright in Nigeria?
Copyright arises automatically when an original work is created and fixed in a form such as a recording, drawing or document. Registration is not required for protection, though keeping dated records of your work, and filing it with the Nigerian Copyright Commission under its voluntary online registration scheme, formerly called the notification scheme, can help prove ownership.
Is my brand name protected once I register my business?
Not fully. Registering a business name or company with the CAC is different from registering a trademark. Trademark registration gives stronger rights to stop others using your brand for the same kind of goods or services.
Who owns work a freelancer creates for me?
It depends on the agreement and the law that applies. Who owns the finished work depends on the contract. Under the Copyright Act 2022 ownership starts with the author unless the agreement says otherwise, so agree in writing, before the work starts, who will own the copyright and what each side may do with the work. A short written contract that deals with ownership avoids disputes.
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Disclaimer: The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. No lawyer-client relationship is created by reading this page. Please book a consultation for advice specific to your situation.