Court Awards Actor Femi Adebayo N25m Against Streaming Channel: A Victory for Intellectual Property Rights
Court Awards Actor Femi Adebayo N25m Against Streaming Channel: A Victory for Intellectual Property Rights
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In a significant legal victory, a Lagos High Court has ruled in favor of renowned Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Femi Adebayo, awarding him a substantial sum of N25 million. This ruling stems from the unauthorized use of his film ‘Jelili’ by a video streaming channel, marking a crucial win in the ongoing battle against piracy within the Nigerian creative industry.
The Legal Battle Unveiled
Femi Adebayo took to his official Instagram account to announce the court’s decision, shedding light on the infringement related to his movie ‘Survival of Jelili’. The legal saga commenced in March 2021 when the actor initiated legal proceedings at the Federal High Court in Ibadan. The lawsuit targeted Murphy Ben International for allegedly infringing on the copyrights of his films ‘Survival of Jelili’ and ‘Kodi Ologbon Aye’ through their YouTube channel, ‘Aforefo TV’.

The Story Behind ‘Jelili’
Released in December 2019, ‘Jelili’ narrates the tale of a young man named Jelili, who endeavors to alter his social standing by transitioning from boxing to modeling. The film features a stellar cast including Desmond Eliot, Toyin Abraham, and Dele Odule, captivating audiences with its compelling storyline and engaging performances.
Confronting the Menace of Piracy
Piracy remains a pervasive issue afflicting the Nigerian creative landscape, particularly the vibrant Nollywood industry. Femi Adebayo emphasized the detrimental impact of piracy on filmmakers, investors, and creative professionals, hindering the industry’s growth and deterring potential backers from investing in cinematic projects.

Upholding Justice and Protecting Intellectual Property
Through unwavering determination and the expertise of his legal team, Bola Adebowale & Co. Legal Practitioners, Femi Adebayo successfully secured a favorable outcome in the legal battle. The court’s ruling not only vindicates the actor but also serves as a beacon of hope for the entire Nollywood community, signaling a collective stand against intellectual property theft and piracy.
A Triumph for Nollywood
Femi Adebayo’s triumph in this legal dispute signifies a crucial milestone in the fight against piracy and underscores the importance of safeguarding intellectual property rights within the creative industry. As the actor aptly stated, every victory brings Nollywood a step closer to protecting its works and realizing their true economic value, paving the way for a more secure and prosperous future for filmmakers and content creators alike.
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