Copyright Act, 2022
The Copyright Act 2022 is Nigeria’s comprehensive legislation governing the protection of literary, musical, artistic, and other creative works. Enacted in 2022, it replaces the earlier Copyright Act of 2004 and modernizes the copyright framework to address digital age challenges including online infringement, collective management organizations, and moral rights.
Legal area: Law relating to the protection of creative works, inventions, designs, and trademarks.
Year enacted: 2022
Full text: https://lawsofnigeria.placng.org/laws/copyright-act.html
Key Provisions
- Part II: Works eligible for copyright, including literary, musical, and artistic works
- Part III: Rights of copyright owners including reproduction, distribution, and communication
- Part IV: Duration and ownership of copyright
- Part V: Limitations and exceptions including fair dealing
- Part VI: Collective management organizations and their regulation
- Part VIII: Infringement, remedies, and enforcement
Significance
The 2022 Copyright Act modernized Nigeria’s copyright framework for the digital era. It strengthened the rights of creators, enhanced enforcement mechanisms, and addressed emerging challenges including digital piracy and the role of online platforms. The Act established clearer rules for collective management of copyright.