Rates hike court rules in cpc multichoice suit today

It appears that there was a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between Multichoice and the Copyright Protection Council (CPC) in Nigeria.

According to reports, the Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled in favor of Multichoice, dismissing the CPC's suit seeking to compel the company to pay royalties on its DSTV and GOtv platforms.

The court's decision is seen as a major victory for Multichoice, as it means the company will not have to pay royalties to the CPC for the use of Nigerian content on its platforms.

Here are some key details about the ruling:

  1. Rates hike: The CPC had sought to increase the royalties paid by Multichoice to 5% of its annual turnover, up from the current 2.5%. The court's ruling means that the current rate will remain in place.
  2. Court's decision: The Federal High Court in Lagos dismissed the CPC's suit, ruling that Multichoice was not required to pay royalties to the CPC for the use of Nigerian content on its platforms.
  3. Multichoice's response: Multichoice has welcomed the court's decision, stating that it is a victory for the company and its customers. The company had argued that the CPC's demands were excessive and would lead to a significant increase in the cost of its services.
  4. Impact on customers: The ruling is likely to have a positive impact on Multichoice's customers, as it means that the company will not have to pass on the increased costs of royalties to them.

Overall, the court's decision is seen as a significant victory for Multichoice, and it is likely to have a positive impact on the company's operations in Nigeria.