Copyright Society of Nigeria, COSON, the nation’s sole collective management organization for musical works and sound recordings has announced that it will with immediate effect aggressively pursue the licensing of sound recording rights exploited by users in all commercial and public settings in Nigeria.
This was made known after the society’s Management Board rose from its first meeting in the year.
Addressing the management of the society on the development, the Chairman of COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji said, “After several consultations and careful review of the Nigerian Copyright Act, international best practices in collective management of music copyrights and the needs of our members, assignors and affiliates, the COSON Board has decided that it is in the best interest of stakeholders that the licensing drive for the rights in sound recordings is immediately intensified. As a very important organ in the Nigerian music industry, we must constantly review our processes and find ways with which we can serve the people we represent better.
“We will continue to ensure that the collective interests of copyright holders in the Nigerian music industry are upheld at all times.”
Reacting to the development, Chinedu Chukwuji, General Manager of COSON said, “No class of copyright holder is of less importance at COSON. As it is our practise, we will continue to work in the best interests of all. Users of music can be rest assured that the Board’s decision to intensify the licensing of sound recording rights is in their best interests and can save them from avoidable legal palaver.
“We have worked out the modalities and are open to discussions with any user of music that is ready to meet the requirements of the law.”
