The Implication of New Technology on Nigerian Copyright Protection Practices in Today’s Computer Age

Abstract

Because of the advancement witnessed in scientific and technological innovations since the beginning of the 20^th century which have changed the face of modern society, many have concluded by terming this present civilization “the jet age”. Areas affected by this technological advancement includes the worlds legal system, changing traditional ways of safeguarding intellectual property and the economy policies of many nations by getting its legal frame work attracted to protecting copyright. Due to the ever changing forms of innovations ; such as computers which includes hi-tech phones, satellite and cable receivers /signals, facsimile transmissions and the perpetual growing internet, our laws has been kept completely in a state of flux, which calls for active innovation in our legal system. Thus, in the fight against piracy and copyright infringements of digital innovations, this article strongly recommends, exploitation of copyright works as regards to licensing, sensitization of the populace and some extra legal measure such as judicial and administrative among others to tame the tide of an otherwise socio-legal problem.If we never do anything which has not been done before we shall never get anywhere, the law will stand still whilst the rest of the world goes on and that will be bad for both.  “LORD DENNING[1]”.

Keywords: technology, copyright, protection, computer age.

[1] Packer v. packer  (1984) 2 ALL E.R. 15 P.32