The Copy Right Act protects the
intellectual property and related work. In our discussion of the types of cyber
crimes under chapter two, we noted that piracy is one of the Cyber Crimes that
is rampart in Nigeria. Nigerian artists and intellectuals whose work are
infringed on line often feel incapacitated on what to do. There is no doubt
that the Copyright Act does not contemplate the online infringement going in
this country.
According to Section 1(1) of the
Act, the following shall be eligible for Copyright.
a) Literary works
b) Musical works
c) Artistic works
d) Cinematography works
e) Sound recording and
f) Broadcast
With the advent of internet, most of
these protected works are now made available on line. It is still doubtful
whether the Act is adequate enough to tackle such on-line piracy.
Section 18(1) – (5) of the Act
provides for criminal liability of those who sell, lets, hire, distributes, has
in possession, or offer for sell any infringed work. However, the punishment
provided under the Act is the say the least ridiculous.
And it is doubtful how this Act can cope with cyber crimes relating to
intellectual property.
See generally Sections 18, 19, 20 & 21
of the Act.
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