SHANTY TOWN: Ini Edo loses ownership legal battle to Chi Chi Nworah
Popular Nollywood actress, Ini Edo, has lost the ownership of Netflix original, ‘Shanty Town‘. to Chineye ‘Chi Chi’ Nworah.
The Nigerian Trademark Registry and the Nigerian Copyright Commission ruled in favour of Chi-Chi and her production company GCM Giant Creative Media Limited.
This follows a series of legal battles initiated by Ini Edo and Minnie Empire Productions Limited (MEP), who attempted to claim ownership of the trademarks and copyrights associated with ‘Shanty Town.’
The Trademark Registry rejected Ini Edo and MEP’s petition regarding trademarks ‘Scar’ NG/TM/O/2023/121745 and ‘Shanty Town’ NG/TM/O/2023/97482 on January 10, 2024, declaring the petition baseless and without merit, and confirming Nworah’s exclusive ownership of these trademarks.
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In a separate ruling delivered on July 24, 2024, the NCC dismissed a petition by Ini Edo and MEP concerning the cancellation of two copyright certificates issued to Chinenye Nworah for the literary work “Shanty Town” (Certificate Number LW10177) and the audiovisual work “Shanty Town” (Certificate Number CF1448).
The NCC found no legal grounds for the cancellation and upheld the validity of the certificates, confirming Mrs Nworah’s rightful ownership of these copyrights.
The legal team at Olisa Agbakoba Legal played a crucial role in securing these victories for Chinenye Nworah and GCM Giant Creative Media Limited.
This case demonstrates OAL’s commitment to protecting the rights of creative individuals and companies in the face of intellectual property disputes.
The ruling of the Trademark Registry and the decision of the NCC solidify Mrs Chinenye Nworah’s ownership of intellectual property in relation to the Netflix series; “Shanty Town”
The successful defence of these claims highlights the importance of protecting creative works and ensuring fair compensation for artists.
About Shanty Town
Shanty Town is a gripping Nigerian crime thriller television series that was created by Xavier Ighorodje and Chichi Nworah. The show premiered on Netflix on January 20, 2023, and consists of six episodes. It has quickly gained popularity for its intense storytelling and strong performances from a star-studded cast.
Plot Synopsis
The narrative centers around a ruthless crime lord named Scar, portrayed by Chidi Mokeme, who is the notorious kingpin of Shanty Town—a gritty area in Lagos characterized by rampant crime, drug dealing, and exploitation. The story unfolds as a group of hustlers and courtesans, tired of Scar’s oppressive rule and the grim fate that befalls those he claims to set free, band together to fight back against his criminal empire. This struggle for liberation is complicated by themes of political corruption and personal vendettas.
Main Characters
The series features an ensemble cast that includes notable Nigerian actors:
- Chidi Mokeme as Scar: The main antagonist who controls Shanty Town with an iron fist.
- Ini Edo as Inem: A central character whose return to Shanty Town triggers significant events.
- Richard Mofe-Damijo as Chief Fernandez: A character intertwined with the political landscape.
- Sola Sobowale as Mummy Tornado: A powerful figure within the community.
- Nse Ikpe-Etim as Ene: Another key player in the unfolding drama.
- Nancy Isime as Shalewa: One of the courtesans caught in Scar’s web.
- Mercy Eke as Jackie: A character striving for freedom from Scar’s control.
Shanty Town explores various themes such as survival, empowerment, and the harsh realities faced by marginalized individuals in society. Critics have noted that while the show presents a familiar narrative arc of oppressor versus victim, it also attempts to delve into deeper societal issues related to crime and politics in Nigeria.
Despite some criticism regarding plot holes and character depth, many viewers have praised the performances—particularly Mokeme’s portrayal of Scar—as well as the show’s cinematography and production quality. The series has sparked conversations about its representation of women and their struggles within a patriarchal society.
The release of Shanty Town marks a significant moment for Nigerian cinema on global platforms like Netflix. It showcases not only local talent but also highlights pressing social issues through compelling storytelling. As part of the growing trend of “New Nollywood,” it reflects an evolving narrative style that seeks to engage with contemporary themes relevant to both Nigerian audiences and international viewers.
