The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) in Edo State has warned users of copyrighted materials to desist from engaging with pirated copies, cautioning that violators will face strict legal penalties.
According to him, the sensitization exercise was to ensure users of copyright materials adhered to government policy and to protect the rights of publishers.
While stressing that authors needed fair compensation and recognition for their intellectual property, the NCC state coordinator stressed that the commission would do everything within its powers to protect their interest.
The State NCC coordinator expressed dissatisfaction with some copyright outlet owners who were flouting copyright laws and were unwilling to cooperate with the Commission, vowing to raid their outlets and take them to court to face the penalty for their actions.
“This sensitization drive is to enlighten the users of copyright materials to work within the confines of the law. It is to guide them on the proper way of dealing with copyright materials.
“The Copyright Commission Act that guides the operation of the Commission recognizes the right of authors. It is to improve on their right to ensure a just return and recognition on their intellectual property.
“Some of the authors and publishers take loans to do their work, so our duty is stop pirates from stealing their intellectual property that they have invested heavily on.
“We are not out to pull them out of their business but some of them are not cooperating with us. They are making things difficult for us. After this sensitization, the fallout will lead to raid” he stated.
The Area Sales Manager of Extension Publications Limited, Mr. Alioha Promise, who joined the staff of NCC in the sensitization campaign, complained bitterly about the negative effects of piracy in the country.
He explained that piracy was ruining their business because pyrated materials were always cheaper than the original copies, thereby frustrating the efforts of authors and publishers.
Similarly, the Sales Representative, Learn Africa PLC, Mr. Irabor Osas who also decried the activities of pyrates, thanked the NCC for taking time to enlighten users of copyright materials.
He pleaded with members of the public to join hands with NCC to stop piracy because a lot of resources were being used in the publication and promotion of books.
Some outlet owners visited by the NCC team, including Mrs. Augustina Dim and Mrs. Ikhide Itoha, appreciated the team’s efforts in carrying out the enlightenment programme and promised to always conduct their business within the confines of the law.
The sensitization exercise was carried out in bookshops, schools, and printing press outlets within the Benin metropolis.
