Ini Edo loses ‘Shanty town’ ownership legal battle to Chinenye Nworah

Nollywood actress Ini Edo has faced a significant legal setback in her bid to secure ownership rights of the popular Netflix series "Shanty Town." The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and the Nigerian Trademark Registry have ruled in favor of filmmaker Chinenye Nworah and her production company, Giant Creative Media Limited (GCM), denying Ini Edo's claims over the series.

The legal battle began in January 2024 when Ini Edo, alongside Minini Empire Productions Limited (MEP), filed a double intellectual property petition against Nworah and GCM. Ini Edo sought to claim the trademarks and copyrights associated with "Shanty Town," asserting that she held the rightful ownership of the series' creative elements.

However, the NCC and the Nigerian Trademark Registry concluded that Ini Edo's petition was "frivolous and without substance." This ruling represents a major triumph for Nworah and GCM, solidifying their ownership rights over the "Shanty Town" brand.

The NCC also dismissed a separate petition by Ini Edo and MEP seeking to cancel two copyright certificates awarded to Nworah. These certificates pertain to the literary work "Shanty Town" (Certificate Number LW10177) and the audiovisual production of the same name (Certificate Number CF1448).

Olisa Agbakoba, the legal representative for Nworah, highlighted the broader implications of the ruling. "The successful defense of these claims underscores the importance of protecting creative works and ensuring fair compensation for artists," Agbakoba stated. The victory not only affirms Nworah's rights but also sets a precedent for the protection of intellectual property within Nigeria's burgeoning entertainment industry.