The Managing Director, Zequence Digital Limited, a digital agency that specializes in web development, web design, and digital marketing, Mr. Adeoye Oludamilola, has said strong enforcement of Intellectual Property (IP) laws in Nigeria’s software industry will encourage innovation and investment, while protecting the sector players.
Speaking recently at a forum in Lagos, Mr. Oludamilola noted that software piracy and the unauthorised use of proprietary technology are widespread in the country.
Intellectual Property (IP) laws in software refer to the legal rights that protect the creations of the mind used in software development. These rights, which include copyrights, patents, trade secrets, and trademarks, grant developers exclusive control over their software and related assets, preventing unauthorised use or reproduction.
Mr. Oludamilola said that many startups do not protect their innovations due to a lack of knowledge and the cumbersome legal processes involved, and therefore called for enlightenment campaigns.
“IP registration and litigation are expensive and time-consuming, which further discourages developers from protecting their work,” he reiterated.
He further noted that the lack of awareness among developers about their IP rights contributed to the problem.
To address these challenges, Mr. Oludamilola stressed the need for the formation of an IP Protection Consortium, comprising tech firms, legal experts, and regulators, to advocate for stronger IP enforcement.
He also suggested collaborating with legal tech startups to create simplified platforms for fast-tracked IP registration.
The Managing Director further called for joint initiatives between legal bodies and tech communities to launch IP rights education campaigns.
This, he said, would equip developers with the knowledge they needed to protect their innovations and grow their businesses.
He also emphasised the need for the government and stakeholders to create an ecosystem for development and inclusivity by proactively engaging with regulators.
According to him, this will help ensure that policies are created with the input of concerned agencies and industry experts.
