License to Use Is Not License to Own: Do Your Due Diligence

License to Use Is Not License to Own: Do Your Due Diligence

With the increasing number of music copyright issues affecting Nollywood filmmakers, especially those distributing films on YouTube, this should no longer be a recurring problem.

Information is readily available. Colleagues are willing to explain. Seasoned entertainment lawyers exist. At this point, consistent copyright violations can only be traced back to a lack of due diligence.

Many filmmakers invest heavily in production, yet become careless when it comes to music.

Music decisions are often left entirely in the hands of editors, without verifying whether proper licenses were obtained or what those licenses actually cover.

Paying for usage rights does not mean you own the music. A license to use is not a license to own or transfer of copyright.

Yet some filmmakers proceed to release films, delay payment to composers, or stream content online without proper clearance until YouTube claims and demonetisation arrive.

Then everyone is scrambling over issues that should have been resolved before release.

If you did not create the music, have no written copyright transfer, and no valid license, you have no proof that you own or are permitted to use that material.

In 2026, filmmakers must be deliberate about proper music licensing to avoid preventable disputes, financial losses, and public social media rants.

Do your due diligence.