We recently witnessed the dismissal of a copyright case by the Accra High Court, involving the founder of the Chalewote Street Art Festival, Mantse Aryeequaye. This case, which was brought against Hammer and Obrafour of The Last Two Music Group, centered around the ownership of the famous ‘Killer Cut’ phrase in the popular ‘Oye Ohene’ song.
According to reports on Ghanaweb, the court, after its sitting on Thursday, February 15, ruled in favor of Hammer and Obrafour, dismissing the case and awarding GH₵10,000 to them. The court cited "inconsistencies and breach of court rules" in Mantse’s writ as the basis for its decision.
The controversy surrounding the ‘Killer Cut’ phrase stemmed from American rapper Drake’s unauthorized use of the phrase in his song ‘Calling My Name,’ which led to a legal dispute with Obrafour. Subsequently, Mantse Aryeequaye claimed ownership of the phrase and filed a lawsuit against Hammer and Obrafour, alleging that they had registered the song along with the phrase in their name.
This case highlights the complexities and legal intricacies involved in copyright disputes within the music industry. It serves as a reminder of the importance of clear ownership rights and the need for proper legal recourse in cases of alleged infringement.
As this legal battle concludes, it underscores the significance of upholding copyright laws and the role of the judiciary in resolving such disputes. It also emphasizes the need for artists and creators to safeguard their intellectual property rights through proper legal channels.
The outcome of this case will likely have implications for future copyright disputes within the music industry, setting a precedent for how ownership claims and infringement allegations are addressed. As we await further developments in this ongoing saga, it remains essential for all parties involved to adhere to legal frameworks governing intellectual property rights.
-source 3news | curated by Tina Omar | Ghana Crimes
