AVRS Conducts Training Workshop on Copyright and Collective Management for Board Members and Management Staff

AVRS Strengthens Copyright Knowledge with Training Workshop

Last week, the Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS) conducted a crucial training workshop aimed at enhancing the Board’s understanding of copyright and collective management. The workshop, held at the AVRS Boardroom, saw the full Board, management staff, and the Lagos Head of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Mrs. Lynda Alpheaus, in attendance. Board members who couldn’t be present joined virtually from various locations across the country.

The training was facilitated by two esteemed professionals in the copyright ecosystem: Barrister Michael Akpan, Principal Partner of Alpha Edge Legal and former Regulatory Head of the NCC, and Dr. Chinedu Chukwuji, Copyright Administrator and AVRS Consultant.

Barrister Michael Akpan led sessions on the basics of copyright and neighbouring rights, as well as the legal and regulatory framework of copyright in the Nigerian film industry. His expertise provided valuable insights into the legal foundations and current regulatory landscape of copyright in Nigeria.

Dr. Chinedu Chukwuji focused on collective management organisation and audiovisual copyright licensing, as well as effective governance in CMOs. His sessions covered the purpose and benefits of a CMO, challenges and opportunities, key considerations in copyright licensing, and factors determining tariffs. Dr. Chukwuji also emphasized the importance of good governance and best practices in CMO governance.

The Chairman of AVRS, Mr. Mahmood Ali-Balogun, commended the Board members for their dedication to attending the training and highlighted the workshop’s importance in updating directors on new developments in copyright and collective management. The General Manager, Mrs. Olubukola Adeyemi, and her management team also participated, underscoring AVRS’s commitment to comprehensive copyright management and governance practices.

This workshop signifies a significant step forward for AVRS in its commitment to excellence in managing audiovisual works in Nigeria. By enhancing the knowledge and skills of its Board and management team, AVRS continues to ensure the protection of rights and fair compensation for creators and rightsholders in the Nigerian audiovisual industry.

Furthermore, AVRS’s recent admission as a provisional member of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) and the Global Audiovisual Alliance (GAVA) highlights its dedication to aligning with global standards in copyright management and solidifying its role in the international creative community.