A Lagos High Court has awarded N25 million in favour of Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Femi Adebayo for the unlicensed use of his film ‘Jelili’ by a video streaming channel.
According to reports, the legal battle started three years ago in 2021 after the actor took the case to a Federal High Court in Ibadan for the alleged copyright infringement of two of his movies, Survival of Jelili and Kodi Ologbon Aye.
On his Instagram page, Adebayo explained that the YouTube channel engaged in an unauthorized use of his movie to promote their platform.
Femi shared,
“Several times, I have been a victim of movie pirates and I never spare them. I recently concluded a legal battle with a notable media company that owns a big radio station and also engages in youtube content distribution. During the cinema run of “Survival of Jelili” in 2019, my movie was gathering good numbers at that time. They decided to use my movie poster and title to promote a movie on their platform, thereby deceiving fans and diverting revenue accrued to me.”
He explains that It took 3 years to get this done, “But my trust in the legal and justice system remained unwavering. With the dedication of our legal team, Bola Adebowale & Co Legal Practitioners, who are seasoned professionals with wealth of experience in handling such cases. They presented undeniable evidence, put up a strong argument, and took the case to trial. Their promptness, efficiency, and attention to detail played a huge part in the direction of the case. We won and were awarded a total of Twenty Five Million Naira.
“This isn’t just my win as a filmmaker and content producer but a while for all of us. We need to be ready to fight IP theft and piracy at all levels. Every win brings us closer to protecting and getting the true economic value of our works.”
The movie, released in December 2019 is the story of a young man, Jelili, who struggles to change his social status by changing jobs from boxing to modelling. It has Desmond Eliot, Toyin Abraham, and Dele Odule as its leads roles.
Netizens React:
originator01: “You are a pace setter and a goal getter, am inspired sir .”
simisolaoluwatodimu: “Weldone Femi this is so deserving .”
trendspotter01: “It’s always good to stand up to something. Courage is everything. Congratulations Slaypapi.”
omidan_olayinka: “Oya . The winner at all times.”
Fizeeboi: “Wow, what a win. Congratulations slay papi. more lofty wins .”
Officialadesanyatoyosi: “Cheering news for our industry at large
@femiadebayosalami.” acadamagazine: “I said it like 10 years ago that a time is coming that filmmakers will be separated from the MEDIOCRES. That time is here. Congratulations.”
indispensable_emeraldife: “Clout baits are common on YouTube.” Thedamilolaoni: “Congratulations Sir, it’s indeed a win for all! .”
Sisielepopalmoil: “Say no to piracy,Allow who sowed to reap the fruit of his labour.”
Realyemisolade: “We Are Winning In Stages…. This is a cheering news for Nollywood. ❤️”
By Ezinne Okorie.
