Art Law & IP Protection in Nigeria

Intellectual Property and Contracts for Artists

As an artist in Nigeria, turning your creativity into a sustainable livelihood can sometimes feel overwhelming. A key step towards building a successful career is ensuring that your Intellectual Property (IP) is well-protected.

Strong IP protection allows you to:

• Commercially benefit from your work through the sale of original pieces, limited editions, prints, or merchandise.
• Enter collaborations, licensing, and brand partnerships on your own terms.
• Take legal action when your art is copied, reproduced, or used without your consent.

Whether you are a visual artist selling work through Instagram, a fashion illustrator collaborating with brands, or an established painter preparing for a Lagos or Abuja exhibition, having the right legal support can protect both your creativity and your income.

Contracts for Artists

Throughout your career, you will encounter different types of contracts. It is vital to seek legal advice before signing any deal. Without proper guidance, you risk:

• Giving away more control over your art than intended.
• Losing out on future income streams.
• Leaving your work vulnerable to unauthorised reproductions or exploitation.

Common contracts Nigerian artists often deal with include:

• Licensing Agreements – granting permission for others to reproduce or use your art.
• Collaboration Agreements – working with fashion brands, musicians, or companies.
• Agency Agreements – when represented by a gallery, curator, or promoter.
• Exhibition Contracts – especially with galleries, art fairs, or cultural institutions.

We advise artists on all these agreements to ensure their rights and financial interests are safeguarded.

Art Disputes

Unfortunately, unauthorised use of creative work is common in Nigeria’s art industry. From copied designs and plagiarised illustrations to signature styles being misappropriated by others, artists often face infringement issues.

If your work is used without permission—whether online, in print, or in a commercial campaign—you may be entitled to compensation or injunctive relief under Nigerian copyright law.

We also support artists in navigating the often blurry line between “inspiration” and “copying,” helping you determine whether legal action is worth pursuing.

Artist’s Resale Rights

Although Nigeria does not currently have a formal Artist’s Resale Right (ARR) like the EU’s Droit de Suite, contractual arrangements can be put in place. For example, an artist can include clauses in contracts with collectors or galleries that guarantee a share of future resale profits. This helps ensure that when your work appreciates in value, you also benefit.

Protecting Multi-Disciplinary Work

Many Nigerian artists are multi-talented—painters who also design fashion, photographers who also produce films, musicians who also visualise album covers, etc. If you operate across several creative industries, you need a lawyer who understands music, film, fashion, publishing, and digital media law.

Our expertise covers these industries, ensuring your full creative output is protected.

Securing Rights to Art

If you are a brand, company, or collector seeking to acquire rights to an artist’s work, we provide due diligence, negotiation, and contract drafting services. This ensures you secure rights legally and avoid disputes over ownership, licensing, or reproduction later on.

Need Legal Support?
We provide industry-specific legal advice for artists, galleries, brands, and creative businesses in Nigeria.