A federal high court sitting in Lagos has ordered music video director, Clarence Peters, to pay N5 million as damages for alleged copyright infringement.
The court ruled in favour of Uwana Victor and Akan Victor who filed the suit under Black Alliance.
“In the circumstances of this case, I have no doubt that the defendant (Peters) took advantage of the plaintiffs and infringed on their copyright,” justice Mojisola Olatoregun said in the ruling.
“Both general and special damages are compensatory damages. General damages are losses which flow naturally from the defendant’s conduct and its quantum need not be pleaded or proved as it is generally presumed by law.
“I believe that the plaintiffs’ claim for damages amount to general damages and in the circumstance, I believe general damages will adequately take care of the loses occasioned by the defendant’s conduct. The sum of N5m only is awarded against the defendant.”
Peters has reportedly filed in the court of appeal for the ruling to be overturned.
