COSON Withdraws Suit Against Silverbird

The Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), has withdrawn a N3 billion suit it filed against the Silverbird Communications Ltd., over alleged copyright violation.

Silverbird Communications Ltd. are the owners of Silverbird Television and Rhythm FM radio stations.

The COSON Chairman, Mr Tony Okoroji, announced the withdrawal on Tuesday in Lagos at the signing of a Copyright Royalty Agreement between COSON and Silverbird Communications.

Our correspondent reports that COSON filed the suit on July 18 before a Federal High Court in Lagos.

The society sued Silverbird Communications for alleged unauthorised copying and broadcast of musical works and sound recordings of COSON members, affiliates and assignors.

Okoroji said at the ceremony that with the signing of the royalty agreement, Silverbird Communications could broadcast COSON members’ works.

He commended Silverbird Communications for showing respect for laws and people’s rights.

Okoroji said that COSON was committed to its objective of ensuring that collective management of copyright was properly established in Nigeria.

“The music we enjoy costs a lot of money to make; it is through payment of royalties that some of the investments are recouped.

“When the artiste is old or no longer at his peak, collective management is usually an important source of income,” he noted.

Mr Roy Murray-Bruce, Group President, Silverbird Communications Ltd., said that the organisation would continue to partner with COSON for the betterment of artistes in the country.

He said: “It is about time we started recognising our artistes who have done so much to entertain us.

“With the efforts being made by COSON, and more collaborations from media groups, our artistes will be able to benefit from the fruits of their works.”

Mr Afam Ezekude, Director-General, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), represented by Mr Chris Nkwocha, urged other media houses and users of music to emulate Silverbird Communications.

Ezekude said that COSON was licenced about two years ago to operate as the only copyright management organisation in Nigeria.

He said that it was the mandate of the organisation to collect royalties on behalf of artistes and to distribute same to them.