Nigeria: Intellectual Property
Intellectual property is an emerging field of law in Nigeria. Lawyers explain that the rights-based legislation exists but it needs to be better promoted in order to encourage investment into the country. Copyright and trademark law are the most prominent areas of practice, and we feature 16 lawyers who specialise in this sector.
Co-founder of Jackson Etti & Edu, Lookman Durosinmi-Etti has over 20 years experience and is considered a “pre-eminent lawyer”. He is a consultant to the UN Development Projects in IP and has advocated for the reform and improved enforcement of IP piracy and counterfeiting in Nigeria. He is joined by managing partner, Koye Edu a “committed IP practitioner” with an interest in enforcement and protection, and Folashade Laniyan, a trademark prosecutor. Uwa Ohiku is head of the IP practice group: she has a “very solid” practice dealing with the local IP portfolios of blue-chip organisations based in the UK and US.
Abdulai Taiwo & Co fields three lawyers in this section. Ayo Kusamotu’s practice areas include innovation technology and e-transaction IP. He is “well regarded” for his knowledge of internet and e-commerce-related IP issues and developments. Founding partner, Ladi Taiwo counsels clients on technology licensing arrangements and is noted for his extensive scholarship in this area. Abdul-Rashid Sadiq is developing a “promising” associate practice in this field.
Mena Ajakpovi of Abraham & Co is considered “one of the best” at what he does. He is a corporate lawyer with an interest in trademarks in the pharmaceutical, banking and technology industries.
At Allan & Ogunkeye, Marlies Allan is a certified notary and concentrates her practice on pharmaceutical brand names. She is the president of the Nigerian group of the AIPPI and is honourary consul to Switzerland. Fellow founding partner Obatosin Ogunkeye is “extremely good for IP litigation” particularly prosecution work. He has appeared in the state High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of Nigeria.
AELEX boasts Theophilus Emuwa, an “acclaimed” IP expert and prolific author in this area. He advises private foreign clients in the pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries, particularly on branding issues.
At Adejumo Ekisola & Ezeani Rudolf Ezeani is a “definite inclusion” in the chapter with expertise in representing clients on IP protection.
Lara Kayode runs her own specialist IP boutique, where she acts for clients on trademarks, patents and design issues. She is “well-known” for her work
Managing partner of David Garrick Kayode & Co, Olugboyega Kayode has over 40 years of experience. His practice concentrates on enforcement, licensing, technology transfer and the tax liabilities and requirements of IP protection. He has participated in drafting national legislation and handles prosecutions.
Mark Mordi of Aluko & Oyebode is a “first-class” IP prosecutor and has acted on a number of matters including trade name infringements, contract interference and obtaining equitable remedies.
Similarly, managing partner of GO Sodipo & Co Bankole Sodipo is a “known name” among trademark and copyright circles for his work on piracy and counterfeiting.