SONG PROTECTION: REQUIREMENTS, COSTS AND TIMELINE FOR COPYRIGHT REGISTRATION

Intellectual property works involve the application of one’s cognitive abilities to produce something new and original. The protection of these brainchildren is essential to ensure that the creator of a work gets due credit for his creation. A major challenge faced by musicians and artists in Nigeria is copyright piracy, which impedes an artist’s capacity to profit from his song.

For musicians, songwriters, and composers, registering their work with the prescribed commission is not merely a legal formality but a crucial step in protecting their creations.

In this article, we explore the requirements, costs and timelines for registering song copyrights with the Nigerian Copyright Commission (“NCC”).

1. What are the available categories of registration done by the NCC?

The categories of copyright registrations done by the NCC are as those listed under the Copyright Act 2022. They are as follows:

1. literary works;
2. musical works;
3. artistic works;
4. audiovisual works;
5. sound recordings; and
6. broadcasts.

Lyrics are part of musical composition. If fixed on paper, it is registered under the Literary Works category. Beats are registered under the Sound Recording category.

2. What are the requirements for registration of copyright in songs?

The requirements for registration are as follows:

1. Duly completed application form: The application form shall contain
2. Personal details of the artiste/musician to include his full name, address, telephone number, date of birth, and email address;
3. Title of work;
4. Year of creation of work;
5. Year of publication of work;
6. Country of publication;

1. a short synopsis of the lyrics of the song in a well-organized format to include the name and title of the song, and the vision and objectives for the song;

1. copy of the song composition written on paper (for the composition) and VCD, CD or digital file embodying the original sound recording of the song (for sound recordings).

3. What is the applicable cost of registration?

Generally, the fee for all categories is the same. The costs of registering the musical composition and sound recording are as follows:

4. What is the estimated timeline for completion of registration?

The average timeline for registration of a copyright is ninety (90) days. An applicant will receive an acknowledgement copy of the application within 24 hours of the application. Upon successful registration, an applicant will receive a Certificate of Approval.