Multichoice Violates Copyright, Refuses Payment — MCSN Claims In N29bn Suit

The Musical Copyright Society Nigeria, MCSN, has reiterated its resolve to take legal actions against users of musical works in the country, who refuse to pay the required royalties to the body.

The society made this known in a media parley held during the week in Lagos.

MCSN also revealed that it has commenced infringement actions at the Federal High Court “against certain recalcitrant users of musical works and sound recordings in the broadcasting and hospitality industries for the unauthorised exploitation of musical works and sound recordings in their broadcasting and hospitality activities.”

According to the President of MCSN, Sunday Adeniyi Adeyeye, MFR, who was represented by the Chairman of the society, Mr Orits Williki, one of the companies has been slammed over N29 billion lawsuit at the Federal High Court.

The veteran musician said that it is the same company that the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal gave judgments against and awarded damages in the sum of N5.9 billion in 2018 and 2020 respectively.

“Apart from the claim of N27.3 billion for the actual use of musical works and sound recordings, there is also the claim of N2.05 billion for Value Added Tax (VAT) due to the Federal Government of Nigeria not to mention what would eventually go to various state governments in personal income tax.

“This goes to show that these companies are not harming only musicians, but also denying the relevant governments their share of revenue with which to deliver on their responsibilities to the citizens.

“Other broadcasters against which MCSN has proceeded have indicated willingness and readiness to negotiate and settle out of court and MCSN is happy to oblige them,” he said.

Also, MCSN said that apart from Multichoice, it has also sued other broadcasters who have indicated their willingness and readiness to negotiate and settle out of court, and society is happy to oblige them.

He added that MCSN is thankful to the 9th National Assembly and the Federal Government of Nigeria for enacting the new Copyright Act 2022 in March 2023, which the society believes would halt the dividing tactics of users and consumers of musical works and sound recordings against the practitioners in the creative industries in Nigeria . MCSN added that it has also filed a suit against Transcorp Hotels Plc before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, demanding the sum of N2.8 billion.

Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN) is a Nigerian Collective Management Organization which serve as an intermediary between owners of musical works & sound recordings (Songwriters, Composers, Publishers, Performers, Rightsowners) and users of such works (Businesses, Venues, apps, Streaming, Broadcasters, etc).

February 17, 2024