Record Keeping or Jail Time: The Copyright Obligation Every Publisher Must Know

In Nigeria's creative industry, staying compliant isn't just about respecting intellectual property, it is about staying out of prison.

The Law You Can't Ignore

Section 48 of the Copyright Act, 2022 contains a provision that catches many businesses off guard: mandatory record-keeping with criminal penalties attached. If you're a publisher, printer, producer, manufacturer, or aggregator dealing with copyrighted works, this law applies to you.

What Records Must You Keep?

The Act requires detailed documentation of every copyrighted work you handle, including:

• The author's name
• The work's title
• Date of production or use
• Quantity produced or used
• Any additional information prescribed by the Copyright Commission

These aren't optional business practices, they're legal requirements with teeth.

The Consequences are Real

Failing to maintain these records isn't treated as a minor administrative oversight. The penalties include:

• Minimum fine of ₦100,000
• Minimum imprisonment of one year
• Or both

The same punishment applies if you make false entries or knowingly present falsified records as evidence. The law treats record manipulation as seriously as complete non-compliance.

Copyright Owners Have Rights Too

Here's what many businesses don't realize: copyright owners can demand access to your records. Upon written request, you must furnish information about their works from your records. This creates accountability and gives creators visibility into how their intellectual property is being used.

Protect Your Business

The message is clear: proper record-keeping isn't just good business practice in the creative industry... it's a legal imperative. Whether you're running a printing press, publishing house, or production company, compliance with Section 48 should be non-negotiable.

Review your current record-keeping systems. Ensure they capture all required information. Train your team on accuracy and completeness. The cost of implementation is minimal compared to the price of non-compliance.

Your books should be in order—literally.