Popular Nollywood actor, Femi Adebayo, has expressed concern over the impact of piracy on the Nigerian film industry.
Taking to his Instagram page, @femiadebayosalami, on Tuesday, May 7, Adebayo shared his experience with piracy, highlighting its detrimental effects on filmmakers and investors alike.
According to the prevailing law, Copyright Act, Chapter C28, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004, anyone charged for pirating cinematograph films, musical works, sound recordings, etc., is only liable on conviction to a fine of N1,000 or less for every copy dealt with or terms not exceeding five years imprisonment or to both.
He emphasized that piracy remains a major deterrent for investors considering committing funds to the industry.
However, Adebayo remains hopeful, stating that through persistence and the legal framework governing intellectual property, the industry can gradually combat piracy.
Adebayo revealed that he has been a victim of movie piracy several times and has never spared the perpetrators.
He recounted a recent legal battle with a notable media company that engaged in unauthorized distribution of his movie.
During the cinema run of “Survival of Jelili” in 2019, pirates used his movie poster and title to promote a different movie on their platform, deceiving fans and diverting revenue.
Adebayo explained that after a three-year legal battle, he emerged victorious. He commended his legal team, Bola Adebowale & Co Legal Practitioners, for their dedication and expertise in handling the case.
“We won and were awarded a total of Twenty Five Million Naira,” Adebayo stated.
He emphasized that his victory is not just a personal win but a win for all of Nollywood.
Adebayo called on industry stakeholders to unite in the fight against intellectual property theft and piracy to ensure that Nigerian filmmakers receive the true economic value of their works.