In a significant legal victory, Chinenye Nworah and her production company, GCM Giant Creative Media Limited, were affirmed as the rightful owners of the trademarks “Shanty Town” and “Scar” following a heated intellectual property dispute with Nollywood actress Ini Edo and Minini Empire Productions Limited (MEP).
The dispute centered on the ownership rights to the popular Netflix series “Shanty Town,” a six-part crime thriller that has captivated audiences since its release in January 2023.
The legal battle, which began when Edo and MEP filed a petition on January 10, 2024, concluded with the Nigerian Trademark Tribunal’s ruling on July 18, 2024, which dismissed the petition and granted Nworah and her company full ownership of the contested trademarks.
The tribunal’s decision marked a crucial moment in the ongoing debate over intellectual property rights within the Nigerian entertainment industry, particularly concerning high-profile projects like “Shanty Town.”
The series, directed by Dimeji Ajibola and featuring a star-studded cast, including Ini Edo herself, had been the subject of much anticipation, with fans eagerly awaiting its second season.
However, the legal dispute cast uncertainty over the show’s future, as the ownership of the series’ trademarks was called into question.
The ruling in favor of Nworah and GCM Giant Creative Media Limited not only clarified the legal standing of the trademarks but also underscored the importance of protecting creative works in Nigeria.
In addition to the Trademark Tribunal’s ruling, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) further bolstered Nworah’s position by upholding the validity of the copyright certificates issued to her on July 24, 2024.
The NCC dismissed the petition filed by Edo and MEP, confirming that the copyrights legally belonged to Nworah. This dual victory for Nworah emphasized the need for stringent measures to protect the intellectual property of artists and creators, ensuring that they receive fair compensation and recognition for their work.
The legal teams representing Nworah highlighted the broader implications of the case, noting that it set a precedent for future disputes within the industry.
“Shanty Town,” which tells the story of a group of young women coerced into sex work by powerful men, has garnered significant attention for its gritty narrative and powerful performances.
The series’ success has made it a valuable intellectual property, making the resolution of this legal dispute crucial for its continuation. With the ruling now in place, the path is clear for the production of the second season, much to the relief of the show’s fans and creators alike.
The outcome of this case serves as a reminder of the critical role that legal frameworks play in supporting and sustaining the creative industries in Nigeria and beyond.
