Intellectual Property Licensing In Nigeria

Introduction

In the dynamic landscape of intellectual property (IP) law, licensing plays a pivotal role in enabling businesses to leverage their creations for commercial gain. There are several types of IP licensing such as technology licensing, trademark licensing, copyright licensing, and franchising. This article sheds light on their benefits and the crucial considerations IP owners should be aware of in licensing their IP.

1. Copyright Licensing

Copyright ownership prevents third parties from duplicating or copying, distributing copies, performing, showcasing or otherwise publishing the work of the owner, without the owner's consent, either for financial gain or otherwise . Conversely, copyright owners (licensors) have the right to grant individuals or entities (licensees) the right to use, reproduce, distribute, and display their copyrighted works. In Nigeria, the right of copyright owners is governed by the Copyright Act which provides a framework for