Experts have called for enhanced legal awareness within the creative sector as a foundation for building sustainable careers in entertainment. This was the focus of a webinar titled “The Legal Business of Entertainment: Building Sustainable Careers in a Changing Industry,” convened and hosted by lawyer Onu Oden Shammah through Ekenma Ebere & Co., and moderated by Jameela Bailey and Mustapha.
Understanding Copyright
Shammah emphasized the importance of understanding copyright, noting that many creatives lack clarity on ownership, authorship, and the economic and moral rights attached to their works, often resulting in avoidable losses.
Collaborations and Legal Frameworks
Janet Odunoye advised on the necessity of clear legal frameworks for partnerships, stressing proper documentation of ownership rights, royalties, and usage terms to prevent disputes.
Strategic Intellectual Property
Lawyer Omotayo G. Abiode highlighted the need for creatives to adopt a strategic approach to intellectual property, positioning it as a long-term asset that must be actively protected and commercially managed.
Branding and Business Structure
From a business perspective, Sodamola Tolulope stressed the importance of branding, urging artists to evolve beyond creative expression into structured business entities capable of sustaining value. This was reinforced by lawyer Williams Oluwatosin, who encouraged creatives to maintain control over their work and fully understand the implications of contractual agreements.
Dispute Resolution
Prof Olajide Olagunju advocated the adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms such as mediation and arbitration, describing them as efficient tools for resolving industry conflicts while preserving professional relationships.
