COSON VERSUS FIRST BANK PLC: COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT TRIAL BEGINS

Trial has begun on the Copyright Infringement suit filed by Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) against First Bank of Nigeria Plc.

COSON in 2014 instituted an action against First Bank Plc for unauthorised exploitation of musical works, sound recordings of artists who are members of COSON for marketing, promoting as well as advertising First Bank's video presentation, "Sights and Sounds of Carnival Calabar"

The trial began on Tuesday, 17th March before Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi. 

Lawyer to COSON, Mr Justin Ige called his first witness, Mr. Chibueze Okereke, a journalist, Communications practitioner and COSON'S Head of Licensing.

 Mr. Okereke was cross examined by First Bank lawyer, Mr. Ekpe Asuquo. 

Under cross examination, Mr. Okereke said he didnot know how much First Bank has gained from the deployment of "Sights and Sounds of Carnival Calabar" but that the Calabar Carnival has become an international event, as a result must have added value to First Bank.

The  trial was adjourned to April 22.