NTC, NCC strikes out Ini Edo’s case, declares Chi Chi Nworah owner of ‘Shanty Town’
The Nigerian Trademark Registry and the Nigerian Copyright Commission have ruled in favour of filmmaker, Chineye ‘Chi Chi’ Nworah in a case filed by popular Nollywood actress, Ini Edo over the owner of Netflix original, ‘Shanty Town.’
Following a series of legal battles between the duo, the NTC and NCC declared Nworah and her production company, GCM Giant Creative Media Limited, the actual owners of the film.
Nworah was dragged before NTC and NCC by Ini Edo and Minnie Empire Productions Limited (MEP), to claim ownership of the trademarks and copyrights associated with the movie.
However, the Trademark Registry rejected Ini Edo and MEP’s petition regarding trademarks ‘Scar’ NG/TM/O/2023/121745 and ‘Shanty Town’ NG/TM/O/2023/97482 on January 10, 2024, declaring the petition baseless and without merit, and confirming Nworah’s exclusive ownership of these trademarks.
In a separate ruling delivered on July 24, 2024, the NCC dismissed a petition by Ini Edo and MEP concerning the cancellation of two copyright certificates issued to Chinenye Nworah for the literary work “Shanty Town” (Certificate Number LW10177) and the audiovisual work “Shanty Town” (Certificate Number CF1448).
The NCC found no legal grounds for the cancellation and upheld the validity of the certificates, confirming Nworah’s rightful ownership of these copyrights.
The legal team at Olisa Agbakoba Legal played a crucial role in securing these victories for Nworah and GCM Giant Creative Media Limited.
