A Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled against MTN Nigeria Communications Limited, slamming the telecom giant with a N840 million fine for copyright infringement. The court found MTN guilty of trademark infringement over the unauthorized use of “WEBPLUS,” a registered trademark belonging to Citilink Accesscorp Limited.
MTN Nigeria Slammed with N840 Million Fine for Copyright Infringement
Justice Akintayo Aluko delivered the ruling in suit HC/L/CS/1124/2014, holding that MTN’s use of “MTN WEBPLUS” or “MTN WEB+” was unlawful and a direct violation of Citilink’s trademark rights. The court awarded N70 million per year in damages, covering losses from 2014 to 2025, bringing the total penalty to N840 million.
The court also ordered MTN Nigeria to pay 15% interest per year on the judgment sum until full payment is made.
MTN Copyright Infringement Case: Court Rejects Defense
Citilink Accesscorp Limited, in a suit filed on July 17, 2024, accused MTN Nigeria of copyright infringement, stating that the telecom company illegally used its registered trademark “WEBPLUS” without authorization.
The plaintiff argued that MTN’s use of “MTN WEBPLUS” misled the public, causing brand dilution and financial losses. The court upheld this argument, ruling that MTN’s unauthorized use of the WEBPLUS trademark amounted to copyright infringement.
MTN, however, challenged the lawsuit, arguing that its application for “MTN WEBPLUS” in 2012 was valid since Citilink’s trademark had lapsed between 2008 and 2014. The company further claimed that its use of the name was an honest concurrent use with no intent to deceive.
MTN Nigeria Barred from Using WEBPLUS Name
Justice Aluko dismissed MTN’s defense, stating that Citilink Accesscorp successfully proved its case of copyright infringement. The court issued a perpetual injunction, permanently barring MTN Nigeria from using the “WEBPLUS” trademark in any form.
However, the court rejected Citilink’s additional demands, including the seizure and destruction of MTN’s servers and a N10 million special damages claim, citing insufficient proof.
This ruling against MTN Nigeria for copyright infringement reinforces intellectual property rights in Nigeria, setting a legal precedent for trademark protection.
