Ini Edo loses as NCC, NTR award Shanty Town’s ownership right to colleague, Nworah

The Nigerian Trademark Registry (NTR) and the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), responsible for trademarks and copyright regulation, respectively, have dismissed actress Ini Edo’s petition over the ownership of the hit Netflix series, ‘Shanty Town’ and ruled in filmmaker Chichi Nworah’s favour.

A statement released by Olisa Agbakoba Legal (OAL) on their LinkedIn page disclosed.

Edo and Ms Nworah, an acclaimed filmmaker, real name Chinenye Nworah, have been locked in a legal battle over the ownership rights of the hit Netflix series “Shanty Town’ released in January 2023.

The dispute stemmed from claims made by actress Ini Edo and her production company, Minini Empire Productions Limited (MEP), who sought ownership of both the trademarks “Shanty Town” and “Scar,” as well as the copyrights associated with the series.

The Trademark Registry rejected a petition filed by Ini Edo and MEP regarding trademarks ‘SCAR’ NG/TM/O/2023/121745 and ‘SHANTY TOWN’ NG/TM/O/2023/97482 on January 10, 2024, declaring the petition baseless and without merit, and confirming Mrs Nworah’s exclusive ownership of these trademarks.

In a separate ruling delivered on July 24, 2024, the NCC dismissed a petition by Ini Edo and MEP concerning the cancellation of two copyright certificates issued to Chinenye Nworah for the literary work “Shanty Town” (Certificate Number LW10177) and the audiovisual work “Shanty Town” (Certificate Number CF1448).

” The NCC found no legal grounds for the cancellation and upheld the validity of the certificates, confirming Mrs Nworah’s rightful ownership of these copyrights.

“This case demonstrates OAL’s commitment to protecting the rights of creative individuals and companies in the face of intellectual property disputes,” Olisa Agbakoba Legal team noted.

About Shanty Town 

Shanty Town is a gripping Nigerian crime thriller that delves into the dark underbelly of Lagos, exposing the harsh realities of poverty, crime, and corruption. The movie follows the story of a young woman, Inem, who becomes embroiled in a world of prostitution and crime after being forced to flee her home. As she navigates this treacherous landscape, she must confront the brutal truth about the society she lives in.

One of the standout aspects of Shanty Town is its unflinching portrayal of the struggles faced by women in Nigeria. The film sheds light on the ways in which societal expectations, poverty, and lack of opportunities can drive women into desperate situations. Inem’s story is a powerful testament to the resilience and strength of women in the face of adversity.

The movie also explores the theme of corruption and its far-reaching consequences. The police and government officials are depicted as complicit in the criminal activities that plague the city, highlighting the ways in which those in power often exploit and oppress the vulnerable. This commentary on systemic corruption adds depth and nuance to the film’s narrative.

The cinematography in Shanty Town is equally impressive, capturing the gritty realism of Lagos’ streets and slums. The film’s use of lighting and color creates a visceral atmosphere, immersing the viewer in the world of the story. The performances from the cast are also noteworthy, bringing authenticity and emotion to their characters.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook