AN EXAMINATION OF THE IMPACT OF COPYRIGHT LAW IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA

This research examined the impact of copyright law in the entertainment industry in Nigeria with the aim of identifying the challenges in enforcing the law and protecting the rights of creators in the entertainment industry.The research further explained that copyright is the most relevant intellectual property in the entertainment industry particularly in light of recent legal reforms aimed at combating piracy and enhancing creators' rights. Despite the introduction of updated copyright legislation, challenges persist, including widespread infringement and inadequate enforcement mechanisms. The aim of this research was to examine the impact of copyright law in the entertainment industry in Nigeria and the factors that hinder its effectiveness. The objectives therefore, included: explaining what copyright infringement and piracy is and how they affect the finance and creativity of entertainers and producers,to determine the effectiveness and practicality of the anti-piracy measures outlined in the Act, to examine the challenges affecting the Nigerian Copyright Commission in enforcing copyright law amongst others. To achieve the set objectives, the research employed both the doctrinal and empirical methodologies, utilizing questionnaires which were issued to collect data.The data collected were interpreted through percentages and descriptive analysis. The research highlighted the role of the Nigerian Copyright Commission as a regulatory framework,other laws and institutions in enforcing copyright law in the entertainment industry in Nigeria. It was found in this research that despite these regulations, challenges persist, including lack of public awareness of the existing copyright law in the entertainment industry in Nigeria,prevalence of piracy especially online/internet piracy despite the anti-piracy measures, insufficient collaboration and collaboration between relevant stakeholders, lack of sufficient funding of the Commission and enforcement mechanisms. Further analysis was done on how these factors impact the overall success of copyright law. Recommendations based on the discovery were made with emphasis on solutions being provided to the solutions such as improvement of public education and sensitization, strengthening the anti-piracy provisions, enhanced cooperation and stricter penalties for infringement. This research brought to the fore the need for strict enforcement of copyright law in the entertainment industry to keep it viable