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Oluchi Onweagba Loses N780 Billion West Africa’s Next Top Model Copyright Suit To Chudi Charles
Feb 23, 2016 – Oluchi Onweagba Loses N780 Billion West Africa’s Next Top Model Copyright Lawsuit To Chudi Charles
A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, February 12, dismissed the preliminary objections filed by former winner of the Face of Africa pageant, Oluchi Onweagba, who was contesting a copyright suit filed against her.
The former beauty queen was charged to court for copyright and trademark infringement by one Chudi Charles, CEO of International Pageant and Films, for infringing on his West Africa’s Next Top Model trademark.
Joined in the suit are the Nigerian Copyrights Commission, Etisalat Nigeria, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mtech, Multichoice Nigeria, and CBS Corporation of the United States.
Explaining the rationale behind the suit, Charles said that he registered West Africa’s Top Model as a trademark in 2003 with the aim of developing pageantry in this part of the world, but to his chagrin, some other body is using his brand name with impunity.
“We registered it in order for people who want to organise it to pay us royalty. That is normally what is done. That is why we went through all that but the culture of impunity left by the previous administration is reflecting in what these companies have adopted. The case was filed during the previous administration but they felt that with impunity, they can do anything,” he said.
Reacting to his suit, the defendants, led by Oluchi, filed an objection, claiming that they got the rights to host and perform Africa’s Next Top Model from Tyra Banks, the organiser of America’s Next Top Model.
“When they filed their objection, if it was to succeed, they would have presented before the court a superior title. Since they were unable to present a superior title before the court, their objection has to fail. If they believe that they have a superior title, they would have presented it to the court. That is why we are suing them for damages of N780bn,” he added.
Asked if he is open to negotiation, Charles said: “Of course what is stopping us from negotiating. I don’t have to reach out to them, they have to reach out to us.”
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Toheeb Ojuola
February 23, 2016 at 4:37 AM
End of her career game off
Bench
February 23, 2016 at 5:13 AM
This Charls is wanting to use corner corner and friend Oluchi. Chai! I know. Correct man.
Bench
February 23, 2016 at 5:36 AM
Many mens are do like that. When they come like you, they go first of all come find your trobul. After that, they go say they are dey sorry. They go make peace. Friendness don bigin o.
Jojo
February 23, 2016 at 6:17 AM
Huge money involved, na wa o
Stargurl
February 23, 2016 at 6:40 AM
The money ???? is too much,I no fit shout oh.
sola olaniyi
February 23, 2016 at 7:11 AM
oh my..huge money
Divine favour
February 23, 2016 at 7:29 AM
the money is much chai daris god ooo
chyna
February 23, 2016 at 8:28 AM
JESUUUUU HOW ON EARTH CAN SHE PAY THAT KIND OF MONEY
Amazon
February 23, 2016 at 8:34 AM
See money
Maryf
February 23, 2016 at 9:22 AM
Too much money. How I wish N10 Billion, I am made for ever. What pains me more is all these people throwing money here and there don’t know how to manage money.
Maryf
February 23, 2016 at 9:27 AM
Too much money.
John Emeka
February 23, 2016 at 8:12 PM
Heavy problem here 4 oluchi & co
Ben
September 21, 2018 at 1:31 PM
matter comes on Tuesday 25th sept 2018 at federal High court Abuja. prince chudi is yet to proof his claim. please come and watch donot allow him to job you with stories.