Connect with us

Entertainment

Comedian accuses MTN Nigeria of copyright violation

Published

on

A comedian, Femi Edwards of Comedy+ fame, has dragged telecommunications giant, MTN, to court for alleged copyright violation of his entertainment brand.

In a suit flied by his lawyer, Chuks Nwachuku of Indemnity Partners, the comedian accused MTN Nigeria Limited of stealing his Comedy+ entertainment brand.

Edwards launched his Comedy+ brand in 2009 with a print magazine, Comedy+.

He thereafter progressed to producing comedy shows in different parts of the country.

He also organized Miss Agboyi Ketu Beauty Pageant in 2013 and 2015 in collaboration with Agboyi Ketu Local Council Development Area.

Edwards also took Comedy+ online via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

He equally established a website, which featured among others Comedy skits that visitors to the site could download.

Edwards in the suit, Number: FHC/L/CS/18/2018, claimed that he made Comedy+ a brand among comedians and lovers of comedy in Nigeria and in that way contributed his bit to building the art of comedy into an industry in the country.

He said in 2015 and 2016, MTN sponsored or as claimed by the telco, “supported” a comedy show: “LaffXpress with Mc Ayanfe”, Seasons 1 and 2, which was produced by him under the ‘Comedy+’ brand.

 

Edwards, however, said curiously, the same MTN launched an internet comedy platform, Comedy+, in March 2017.

Edwards lawyers promptly wrote them, warning of the infringement of his intellectual property, but MTN remained adamant hoping to bluff its way through.

In the suit, Edwards claimed that MTN has made money in the excess of N112.5 billion from the unlawful use of the Comedy+ brand.

He is therefore asking the court to order MTN to account to him for that money.

In the suit, Edwards accused MTN of passing off their services as his own services through the adoption of the brand name: Comedy+, with which he and his services have been associated with since 2009.

The telecommunication giant filed a defence to the suit where it alleged that its services are different from those of Edwards.

It however admitted to making comedy skits and materials available to millions of its subscribers through the use of the brand name: Comedy+.

May 9 has been fixed for the hearing of the case at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.

GrassRoots.ng is on a critical mission; to objectively and honestly represent the voice of ‘grassrooters’ in International, Federal, State and Local Government fora; heralding the achievements of political and other leaders and investors alike, without discrimination. This daily, digital news publication platform serves as the leading source of up-to-date information on how people and events reflect on the global community. The pragmatic articles reflect on the life of the community people, covering news/current affairs, business, technology, culture and fashion, entertainment, sports, State, National and International issues that directly impact the locals.

Entertainment

Big Congratulations To BBNaija Star, Miracle Igbokwe Who Graduated With Distinction From Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University In Florida USA

Published

on

The reality TV star disclosed this on his Instagram story on Friday, sharing a video of the moment he climbed the stage to receive his certificate.

Over the years, He has carried us along his Journey of becoming a trained pilot. In July 2018, Ikechukwu obtained his Private Pilot License and Flight Dispatcher License.

In March 2019, he further disclosed that he obtained his certification as an “Instrument Rated” pilot.

He was also reported to have celebrated passing his Flight Instructor exam in 2023, as he completed his aviation training and earned pilot certification from US aviation authorities in 2024.

Miracle was in aviation school before the BBNaija show and returned to complete his training immediately after clinching the grand prize.

We congratulate him on his commitment to achieving this height. And we wish him the very best ahead.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Billionaire Socialite, E-Money To Take Full Responsibility Of Junior Pope’s Sons

Published

on

Nigerian socialite Emeka Okonkwo, also known as E-Money, recently expressed his sorrow over the tragic death of his late friend, Junior Pope, who passed away in a drowning accident.

In a heartfelt note, E-Money mourned the loss of the Nollywood star and pledged to take care of Junior Pope’s three sons, making them part of his family. This gesture of generosity and support has touched many hearts, raising questions about the importance of friendship and community support in times of grief.

In his post, He wrote;

“We tenderly remember your final words on the boat, “NA ONLY ME DEM BORN I GET 3 CHILDREN NA ME GO RAISE THEM,” and we solemnly commit to honoring that vow. Your children now find solace in the embrace of the Okonkwo family, and we, as members of that family, pledge to nurture them as you would have wished. Your absence leaves a palpable void, JP, and your memory will forever be held dear. Rest peacefully, knowing that you are deeply cherished, and may God’s blessings encompass your soul, your family, and all who hold you in their hearts. ” – E-Money

E-money’s post

God bless him as he keeps his promise.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Nollywood Producer And Former Boss To Junior Pope, Tchidi Tchikere Pens Down Emotional Tribute To The Late Actor

Published

on

Legendary Nollywood director and producer Tchidi Tchikere has penned down an emotional message for late Junior pope

He wrote;

“My boy. My son . Adieu. I feel like a man who has lost a son. You came to dance in my music video. I paid you and you said ‘Thank you sir’ I was touched by your gratefulness and I asked my production manager to call you back. I took your number and told you I d push your career cos out of all the people I paid that day you were the only one who said THANK YOU. So one month later and after auditions , I cast in a leading role in the movie DEEPER THAN FACES. I surrounded you with established actors like Tonto Dikeh. Uche Elendu and the legend Uncle Pete Edochie. Cos I knew casting you among them would make you fly. And fly you did. I carried your career AMAKA MUSTAPHA. BE NOT AFRAID. NEW JOY etcetera, and you kept flying.

“Others began to cast you and I was happy watching you grow. Casting you as Churchill son of legendary actor Kanayo O Kanayo in GLOBACOM’s sitcom Professor Johnbull was one of the best decisions of my career because again you showed your versatility.

“I don’t know how this happened, it s only God that knows, JP, for me you are not dead, you have only gone to another level. That is the only way I can cope with this terrible news. We will keep holding the flag until we meet again”.

Junior Pope and four other crew members died during a boat accident on their way to a movie location on the 10th of April 2024. His death is still a huge shock.

Continue Reading

Trending