The Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria, AVRS, has revealed that it has distributed copyright royalties to its teeming members for the year 2023. AVRS chairman, Mr. Mahmood Ali-Balogun made this known , in a statement he released during the week.
Being the sole collective management organization for audiovisual works in Nigeria, Ali-Balogun said. The society has maintained a consistent record of distributing royalties to its members in the past three years. In light of this recent distribution, AVRS, he said, urges all its members across the country to update their works and account details with the organization.
Speaking further, he said that “This crucial step ensures seamless and accurate royalty distribution, enabling members to fully benefit from their works. Members are encouraged to promptly update their information to facilitate efficient payment processing.”
“AVRS calls upon all users of audiovisual works across the country who have not yet complied with copyright licensing requirements to do so without delay. The unauthorized use of works in AVRS’s repertoire constitutes copyright infringement.
According to the Nigerian Copyright Act, individuals or entities who, without the owner’s consent, communicate or make works available to the public for commercial purposes are liable to fines or imprisonment. AVRS emphasizes the importance of strict adherence to the Nigerian Copyright Act and obtaining necessary licenses to avoid legal consequences.
AVRS remains dedicated to advocating for the rights of our members and nurturing a thriving audiovisual industry in Nigeria,” said Mr. Mahmood Ali-Balogun.
“We are proud to distribute copyright royalties for 2023 to our members for the fourth consecutive year and urge them to update their works and account details with us. Additionally, we remind all users of audiovisual works to obtain proper licenses to ensure compliance with the Nigerian Copyright Act.”