COLLECTIVE RIGHTS MANAGEMENT: A Business Overview In Nigeria

Copyright is a legal protection granted to creators for their original works. This protection allows them to profit from their creations. Typically, creators have the sole right to decide how and by whom their work is used.

However, managing these rights individually can be complex and time-consuming, especially when dealing with numerous users. This is where Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) come in. 

CMOs act as intermediaries between creators and those who want to use their work. They collect licensing fees from users and distribute the revenue to the creators they represent.

CMOs operate across various creative sectors, such as music and film. They can represent a single group of creators (e.g.,composers) or multiple groups (e.g., composers, songwriters, and music publishers).

Collective Right management in the Nigerian Music Industry 

Following the revocation of COSON's (Copyright Society of Nigeria) operating license by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), MCSN has emerged as the sole and primary CMO for creators within the Music industry.

The Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN)   represents composers, songwriters, and music publishers. They negotiate fair tariffs and licensing terms with music users such as broadcasters, restaurants, stores, and digital platforms. They collect fees from music users and distribute them to rights holders.

Collective Right Management in the Nigerian Film Industry.

Audiovisual Rights Society of Nigeria(AVRS), the sole collective management organization for cinematograph films in Nigeria as licensed and approved by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) represents screenwriters, directors, actors, and producers. They license film content to television stations, theaters, and online streaming services.

By managing rights collectively, CMOs simplify the licensing process for users and enable creators to focus on their artistic endeavors. This ultimately benefits both creators and users, as well as the overall economy.

Essentially, CMOs play a crucial role in facilitating the use of copyrighted works while ensuring fair compensation for creators.