There is a petition by SotsTAG Ltd against Multichoice Nigeria Ltd, on unauthorized use of intellectual property by DStv.
According to the petitioner, Mr. Ozodinobi Stanley, SotsTAG presented an innovative QR code-based audience engagement solution to DStv in January, 2019. To their surprise, DStv implemented a strikingly similar system in the last Big Brother Naija reality show without any authorization or compensation.
This raises critical questions about the protection of local innovations and fair business practices in Nigeria’s rapid evolving tech landscape.
Despite multiple summons by the Committee on Public Petitions for proper investigation, the Management of Multichoice Nigeria Ltd led by Mr. John Ugbe, has consistently disregarded the summon. Thereby, demonstrating total disrespect for the National Assembly and the good people of Nigeria.
In a significant development, the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has also been summoned by the Committee for proper investigation. The summon is due to the fact that DStv is under NBC.
The Committee views behaviour of the Management of Multichoice as obstructive to its constitutional duties and detrimental to fair business practices in Nigeria.
“It is unfortunate that Multichoice has always failed to appear before the Committee whenever summoned”, Chairman of the Committee, Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba stated.
The Chairman has therefore, given a final opportunity for Multichoice to appear on 24th September, 2024, for proper investigation. Fairlure to comply, will result to appropriate sanction as provided by law.
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