FOR the third consecutive year, the country’s sole collective management organisation for audiovisual works, the Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS), has distributed copyright royalties to its members.
AVRS has consistently distributed royalties since 2021, and the recent sharing exercise further affirms its dedication to protecting the rights of its members and ensuring they receive equitable compensation for their creative contributions and investments.
Members of AVRS include producers, directors, screenwriters, and actors.
Announcing the distribution, the General Manager of AVRS, Mrs Olubukola Adeyemi, assured that the CMO remains steadfast in its commitment to providing comprehensive copyright licensing solutions to users of audiovisual works nationwide.
She added that AVRS continues fulfilling its obligations and cultivating a flourishing ecosystem for Nigeria’s audiovisual industry through diligent management and strategic partnerships.
To ease subsequent distribution, Adeyemi requested all AVRS members nationwide to update their works and account details with it.
“This crucial step ensures seamless and accurate royalty distribution, enabling members to benefit from their works fully. Members are encouraged to update their information to facilitate efficient payment processing promptly,” she said.
The General Manager further asked users of audiovisual works across the country who had yet to comply with copyright licensing requirements to do so promptly. Such users include hotels, salons, restaurants, airlines, halls, transport companies/facilities and others.
“The unauthorised use of works in AVRS’s repertoire constitutes copyright infringement. Per the Nigerian Copyright Act, individuals or entities who, without the owner’s consent, communicate or make works available to the public for commercial purposes are liable to fines or imprisonment. AVRS emphasises the importance of strict adherence to the Nigerian Copyright Act and obtaining necessary licenses to avoid legal consequences.”
Also commenting on the royalties’ distribution, filmmaker and Chairman of AVRS, Mr Mahmood Ali-Balogun, said, “AVRS remains dedicated to advocating for the rights of our members and nurturing a thriving audiovisual industry in Nigeria. We are proud to distribute copyright royalties 2023 to our members for the fourth consecutive year and urge them to update their works and account details with us. Additionally, we remind all users of audiovisual works to obtain proper licenses to ensure compliance with the Nigerian Copyright Act.”
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