Artists and creators face many challenges in today’s society. They not only need to make sure their works are innovative and original, but they must also ensure that the rights to their works remain in their hands.

Intellectual property law encourages a variety of work in terms of creations, inventions and ideas. It was first recognized in 1883 under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. Today, April 26th is known as “World Intellectual Property Day,” and pays attribution to the law and what it represents for designers. This year, Youth Exchange and Study (YES) alumni in Nigeria organized a World Intellectual Property Day event in Bauchi, Bauchi State.

According to Ishaya Sunday (YES alumna 2009-2010, Nigeria, hosted in Alta, IA by IRIS), Bauchi State has been growing in its entertainment industry over the years. A large variety of music, film production, fashion and other hand crafted innovations has developed, with the need for awareness about intellectual property rights growing as well.

“The need to create awareness for productive individuals on how to protect their work cannot be overemphasized,” Ishaya said. “We held a seminar along with a discussion to acknowledge the topic of intellectual property rights, which has been neglected, leaving a lot of innovators frustrated.”

Among those in attendance were Abel Ugaga, a script writer, and Adegoke Treasure Wise, an actor, movie producer and editor. Abel shared his experience with a media outlet for which he wrote a script but was never given credit. Adegoke had a similar experience with a magazine where one of his entire works was published without attribution to him as the creator.

Intellectual property rights are not just issues facing local artists in Bauchi State. Recently in Nigeria, music producer Temitayo Ibitoye, also known at Tee-Y Mix, made a call to the government for stricter enforcement of intellectual property laws. The call comes after several of Temitayo’s songs were pirated.

Two lawyers joined the discussion and answered any questions the audience had about their rights of intellectual property. They also mentioned to everyone that, should the artists need legal advice on any future issues of copyright infringement, the lawyers would be happy to help.

The day served as a reminder to all that when men and women work together, they can achieve more than they thought possible on their own. Participants said they were grateful the event was held, and alumni look forward to holding similar events in the future and reaching larger audiences.

Additional alumni who participated in this event include:

• Laraba Sabtah (YES alumna 2009-2010, Nigeria, hosted in Waukee, IA by IRIS)
• Mamani Bitrus Moresu (YES alumnus 2008-2009, Nigeria, hosted in Cedar Rapids, IA by IRIS)
• Halima Sani Suleiman (YES alumna 2008-2009, Nigeria, hosted in Dickson City, PA by ASPECT)
• Charity Solomon (YES alumna 2008-2009, Nigeria, hosted in Paton, IA by IRIS)
• Blessing Ibrahim (YES alumna 2007-2008, Nigeria, hosted in Kalona, IA by IRIS)
• Ibrahim Ezekiel (YES alumnus 2006-2007, Nigeria, hosted in Boone, IA by IRIS)
• Yusuf Bindi (YES alumnus 2006-2007, Nigeria, hosted in Centerville, IA by IRIS)