Chinenye Nworah Wins Shanty Town Trademark Dispute Against Ini Edo
The Nigerian Trademark Tribunal has recently ruled in favor of Chinenye Nworah and her production company, GCM Giant Creative Media Limited, granting them the ownership of the trademarks “Shanty Town” and “Scar” amidst a dispute involving the widely acclaimed Netflix series.
This decision, which was made public on July 18, 2024, marks the dismissal of a dual intellectual property petition that had been lodged on January 10, 2024, by actress Ini Edo and Minini Empire Productions Limited (MEP).
A statement from Nworah’s representatives reveals that the tribunal’s decision affirms that Nworah and her company, GCM Giant Creative Media Limited, hold the legitimate ownership of the trademarks associated with “Shanty Town.”
In a closely connected ruling, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) also validated the copyright certificates issued to Nworah on July 24, 2024. The Commission rejected Edo’s petition, thereby strengthening Nworah’s legal standing concerning the intellectual property in question.
Olisa Agbakoba, a prominent legal figure and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, who represented Nworah, remarked on the significance of the ruling, stating, “This successful defense underscores the critical need to protect creative works and ensure that artists receive the compensation they deserve.”
“Shanty Town,” a six-part crime drama helmed by Dimeji Ajibola, debuted on Netflix on January 20, 2023. The series portrays the lives of a group of young women who are coerced by powerful men into the world of sex work. The cast includes notable actors such as Chidi Mokeme, Ini Edo, Richard Mofe-Damijo, and Nse Ikpe Etim.
The legal battle had previously stalled the development of a second season of the series. However, with this ruling, the way is now clear for the continuation and expansion of the “Shanty Town” franchise under Nworah’s guidance.