Nollywood actress Ini Edo has lost her legal battle over the ownership of the hit Netflix series ‘Shanty Town’ to filmmaker Chinenye Nworah. Earlier this year, Ini Edo, along with her production company Minini Empire Productions Limited (MEP), filed a petition claiming the rights to the series. They argued that the trademarks and copyrights associated with ‘Shanty Town’ belonged to them, challenging Chinenye Nworah and her company, Giant Creative Media Limited (GCM).

However, in a significant legal ruling, both the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and the Nigerian Trademark Registry dismissed Ini Edo’s claims. The authorities found the petition to be without merit, stating that the claims were frivolous and lacked substance. This ruling effectively granted ownership of the series to Chinenye Nworah and her production company.

Additionally, the NCC refused to cancel two copyright certificates that were previously issued to Chinenye Nworah. These certificates cover the literary work and audiovisual elements of ‘Shanty Town,’ solidifying her rights to the series.

Chinenye Nworah’s lawyer, Olisa Agbakoba, hailed the decision as a victory for the protection of creative works. He emphasized that the ruling underscores the importance of respecting intellectual property rights and ensuring that artists are fairly compensated for their contributions.

This outcome not only highlights the challenges of navigating intellectual property rights in the creative industry but also serves as a reminder of the significance of protecting original content. As the Nollywood industry continues to grow, such legal battles may become more common, making it crucial for creators to safeguard their work from the start.

For Ini Edo, this ruling marks a setback, but it also serves as a lesson on the importance of clear and enforceable contracts in the entertainment industry.