COSON, Wazobia FM, Resolve copyright dispute Out of Court

Tony Okoroji, the Chairman of COSON, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja in a statement issued by the society’s Head of Communications, Miss Mayree Uket.
 
``It is with great pleasure that I announce that the suit filed by COSON against Globe Broadcasting and Communications Ltd. has been withdrawn from court,” the statement said.
 
The society had filed a suit on June 5 against Wazobia FM for unauthorised copying, broadcast and infringement of copyright in musical works and sound recordings belonging to its members and affiliates.
 
The society had prayed the court to award more than N1 billion in unpaid royalties and damages against Wazobia FM and its owner, Globe Broadcasting and Communications Ltd.
 
Okoroji said that after discussions and negotiations, Globe Broadcasting and Communications Ltd had agreed to sign a royalty agreement with COSON.
 
He said that the agreement gave Wazobia FM the license to broadcast music and sound recordings on its stations across the country for 24 hours daily.
 
He commended Amin Moussallli, the Chairman of Globe Broadcasting and Communications Ltd, for ensuring that the organisation was socially-responsible.
 
The chairman called on music users not to treat the music industry with contempt as the society was committed to defending the rights of the music industry in the country.
 
He also called on music users to refrain from illegal broadcast of music, and do the right thing as directed by the Nigerian law as nobody was above the law.
 
Okoroji noted that the music industry was growing and if royalties were not paid, it would not move forward