Copyright commission cracks down on book piracy

The Nigerian Copyright Commission has raised concerns over the rise in the distribution of pirated books across the country.

In a statement released on Sunday, the NCC Director-General, Dr John Asein, reported that recent inspections revealed that schools, online sales platforms and traditional bookstores are involved in the sale of counterfeit materials.

Asein noted a surge in the local printing of pirated books and highlighted the role of importers and transporters in these illicit activities.

“Following recent inspections and anti-piracy operations across the country, the Nigerian Copyright Commission has noticed disturbing trends in the distribution of pirated books through schools, online sales outlets and traditional bookstores.

“The commission has also noticed a rise in the local printing of pirated books and the illicit activities of importers, sales representatives and road transporters who deal in pirated books,” the DG revealed.

He stressed that under the Copyright Act of 2022, reproducing, importing, selling, or distributing infringing works is a serious offence, punishable by hefty fines and imprisonment with no upper limits, adding that copyright officers are now empowered to enter premises without a warrant and to arrest individuals involved in piracy.

“It is an offence under the Copyright Act, 2022 to reproduce, import, sell, distribute, or have infringing copies of a copyrighted work. It is also an offence to aid and abet criminal copyright infringement.

“Punishments under the Act are now significantly stiffer with no upper limit to the amount of fine or term of imprisonment that may be imposed.

“Copyright officers are vested with the powers and privileges of Police Officers and may, without a warrant, enter any premises (including schools and stores) used for infringing activities. They may also effect the arrest of persons and seal up premises connected with piracy.

“Convicted offenders may forfeit infringing materials and properties which are found to be proceeds of a copyright offence may be forfeited,” he explained.

He added that a particular point of concern is the involvement of some schools, which have been sourcing books from known piracy hotspots for sale to students, as he stated that the commission would hold such institutions accountable for any pirated materials found on their premises.

Asein urged schools to purchase books directly from accredited publishers or reputable distributors.

He noted, “It is particularly disturbing that some schools source books from well-known piracy hotspots and printers for sale to their students.

“The commission will henceforth treat such schools as booksellers and hold them accountable for any pirated books found in their premises or the possession of their students.

“Schools are advised to patronise publishers directly or purchase from accredited sales representatives or reputable bookstores. They should, in all cases, exercise extreme caution and due diligence in their dealings and always insist on signed invoices from suppliers.”

The advisory issued by the commission served as a warning to all stakeholders in the book trade, including publishers, printers, and booksellers, to remain vigilant and avoid complicity in piracy.

The public, along with parents and guardians, are encouraged to report suspected piracy cases to the NCC or law enforcement agencies.

The NCC reaffirmed its commitment to collaboration with security agencies, including the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Customs Service, to combat copyright infringement effectively.

The commission, on Thursday, arrested eight individuals for selling pirated books and sealed their shops at the popular Sapon booksellers’ hub and in Sango Ota, Ogun State.