Intellectual Property
Critical Analysis of the 2022 Nigeria Copyright Act
The 2022 Nigeria Copyright Act (Act No. 8), which came into effect on March 17, 2023, marks a significant modernization of Nigeria’s copyright laws, aligning them with global best practices and addressing the needs of a rapidly evolving creative economy. This article critically examines key changes introduced by the Act and assesses their potential impact on authors, copyright owners, and the public. Expansion of Copyright Protection The Act broadens the scope of works eligible for […]
Trademark Rights and Domain Names in Nigeria
In the digital age, domain names have become an essential part of business identity. However, domain name disputes can arise when a domain name infringes on trademark rights. In Nigeria, such disputes are generally addressed under the principles of trademark law and through the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP), a globally recognized policy established by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to resolve domain name disputes efficiently. Where the Trademark is Registered […]
Domain Name Registration and Protection in Nigeria: Legal Frameworks and Emerging Trends
In Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital economy, domain names have become a critical part of establishing an online presence and protecting intellectual property. Here are some insights that provide a broader understanding of intellectual property protection in Nigeria, particularly as it relates to domain names. Trademark Protection and Domain Names: Nigeria adheres to the International Classification of Goods and Services for trademark registration, which is also applicable to domain name disputes. This means that a registered […]
Challenges to the Development of Patent Rights in Nigeria
There are a number of challenges that impede the development of patent rights in Nigeria. These include: Lack of Expert Patent Examiners: There is a shortage of qualified patent examiners who possess the necessary expertise in science, engineering, and technology to effectively evaluate patent applications. Consequently, examiners in Nigeria primarily conduct cursory searches for prior art, leading to the possibility of patents being granted for inventions that are already in the public domain. This situation […]
Obtaining a Patent in Nigeria
A patent application must be made to the Registrar of Patents and Designs. The application can be submitted by the applicant or their agent. The application must be in English. If the application is submitted by an agent, the applicant must also submit a power of attorney authorizing the agent to act on their behalf. The power of attorney must be signed by the applicant. Patent Application Requirements A patent application must contain the following […]