AVRS members in action against copyright infringment
The Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS) recently took a decisive step in its continuous battle against copyright infringement. This process was reinforced by scores of AVRS members, under the leadership of the Society’s chairman, Mr. Mahmood Ali-Balogun, and the guidance of its consultant, Dr. Chinedu Chukwuji, alongside such notable Nollywood figures as Monalisa Chinda, Ejike Asiegbu, Segun Arinze, and Francis Duru, among others.
In a robust and strategic alliance with the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) from the its Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) and the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), including Superintendent of Police Olutola Ogunyemi and Copyright Officer Mr. Kunle Olatunji, AVRS conducted a targeted visit to three prominent Abuja-based hotels, Fraser Suites, Abuja Continental Hotel, and Stratton Hotels.
These establishments have been accused of copyright theft and unauthorised use of audiovisual works belonging to thousands of AVRS members. At Fraser Suites, the enforcement team met with the General Manager, Goncalo Ramos, the Operations Manager, Nikhil Mypalli, and the Director of Corporate Services, Haroun Audu.
They pleaded with the AVRS team to forgive their past wrongdoings, assuring them they would take the necessary actions to remedy the past wrongs and ensure full compliance moving forward. Similar repentant reactions were observed at the two other hotels visited in the FCT. Both establishments promised to address their past wrongs and implement an accountable process to ensure continued compliance moving forward.
AVRS chairman, Mr. Mahmood Ali-Balogun, reaffirmed the Society’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that right of creatives were adequately protected.
Said he: “As creators and investors in the audiovisual sector, our works represent not just our talents, but our livelihoods. The continuous and criminal disregard for copyright laws by certain hotels and establishments violates the copyright and related rights of thousands of Nigerian actors and filmmakers. This visit is a reminder that audiovisual works are properties, just like physical assets, and must be respected.
“The AVRS is unwavering in its commitment to ensuring that rightsholders are fairly compensated for the public use of their works. Compliance with the law is not optional – it is a responsibility”.
The infringement visits were conducted professionally, as AVRS representatives met with the respective hotels’ management. They extracted firm commitments to comply with the copyright law and regulations and ensure their facilities remained compliant. The hotels were reminded of their obligations under the Nigerian Copyright Act to secure appropriate public performance licenses to use audiovisual works within their premises.
Monalisa Chinda, an AVRS director and well-known actress, emphasised the importance of compliance.
Stated she: “Our works fuel the entertainment industry, providing value to hotels and establishments that use them to entertain their guests. It is only fair that those benefiting from these works should pay for their use. Compliance with copyright laws is not just about following rules – it is about recognising and respecting the effort and creativity that go into making these films. Our intellectual property deserves the same respect as any other property”.
With these visit, AVRS aims to address hotels’ continuous copyright infringement and send a clear message that copyright theft will not be tolerated and the rights of audiovisual creators must be respected. This action is part of a broader initiative to enforce copyright compliance and protect the livelihood of AVRS members.
Ejike Asiegbu, another AVRS director and legendary actor, echoed the importance of licensing.
Remarked he: “Businesses must understand that intellectual property is a form of property. Hotels that utilise our work to enhance their services should ensure they obtain the necessary licenses. By doing so, they support the creative industry and ensure the sector’s sustainability. It is about fairness – if you use someone’s work, you must compensate them”.
AVRS, the sole collective management organisation (CMO) approved by the Nigerian Copyright Commission for audiovisual works, remains committed to protecting its members’ rights. By enforcing licensing regulations, AVRS ensures that creators of audiovisual works receive due compensation for the public use of their works in hotels and other establishments across the country.
Segun Arinze, AVRS member and top actor, highlighted the broader economic impact of such enforcement.
Said he: “The creative industry is a significant contributor to Nigeria’s economy, but when rights are infringed upon, creators lose out. Hotels must realise that audiovisual works are not free-for-all. There are legal frameworks in place, and compliance is a must. Paying for these works is not just a legal obligation but a way of supporting the industry’s growth that entertains millions”.
The organisation emphasised its readiness to continue these efforts, with more enforcement actions planned to cover other regions as part of its mission to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s copyright laws and ensure fair remuneration for rightsholders.
AVRS’s prominent member and renowned actor, Francis Duru, called for equitable practices.
Stressed Duru: “Our industry thrives on the fair exchange of value. Just as hotels charge for their services, creators must be paid to use their works. It is a partnership – when the hotels comply with copyright laws, they are investing in the future of the entertainment industry. Without respect for intellectual property, there can be no growth”.
