Nollywood star Ini Edo has lost her legal struggle against Chineye ‘Chi Chi’ Nworah concerning the ownership of the Netflix original series, ‘Shanty Town.’
The Nigerian Trademark Registry and the Nigerian Copyright Commission have ruled in favor of filmmaker Chi Chi Nworah and her production company, GCM Giant Creative Media Limited. The decision follows multiple legal actions by Ini Edo and Minnie Empire Productions Limited (MEP) aimed at claiming rights to the trademarks and copyrights of ‘Shanty Town.’
On January 10, 2024, the Trademark Registry denied Ini Edo and MEP’s request to claim the trademarks ‘Scar’ (NG/TM/O/2023/121745) and ‘Shanty Town’ (NG/TM/O/2023/97482), deeming their claims unfounded and affirming Nworah’s exclusive ownership.
Subsequently, on July 24, 2024, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) rejected Ini Edo and MEP’s attempt to cancel copyright certificates for Chinenye Nworah’s works, including the literary and audiovisual components of “Shanty Town” (Certificates LW10177 and CF1448). The NCC upheld the validity of these copyrights, reinforcing Nworah’s ownership.
Olisa Agbakoba Legal, representing Nworah and GCM Giant Creative Media Limited, played a pivotal role in these legal victories, underscoring their dedication to defending intellectual property rights.
These rulings confirm Chi Chi Nworah’s ownership of the intellectual property related to ‘Shanty Town,’ highlighting the critical importance of protecting creative works and ensuring fair recognition and compensation for artists.
