Copyright dispute: Offset communications sues Qore Technologies, seeks N50m damages
Offset Communications Advisory Ltd has filed a suit against Qore Technologies Ltd at the Federal High Court in Lagos, seeking N50 million in damages over alleged copyright infringement.
Offset Communications Advisory Ltd has filed a suit against Qore Technologies Ltd at the Federal High Court in Lagos, seeking N50 million in damages over alleged copyright infringement.
In the suit marked FHC/L/CS/1994/2025, the claimant accused Qore of using elements of a communications proposal it submitted in December 2022 without formal engagement, attribution, or a licensing agreement.
Offset, a Lagos-based communications firm, stated in its originating processes that it had previously handled public relations assignments for Qore and was subsequently invited to develop a comprehensive communications strategy. The proposal, according to the firm, covered areas such as employee engagement, branding, and stakeholder management.
The claimant alleged that Qore proceeded to implement aspects of the proposal—including internal communication initiatives and branding concepts—without entering into any formal agreement or making payment for the use of the ideas.
Offset said it became aware of the alleged infringement in April 2025 and notified the defendant, but efforts to reach an amicable resolution were unsuccessful.
The firm is seeking a declaration that Qore’s actions constitute copyright infringement, N50 million in general damages, N5 million in litigation costs, post-judgment interest at 29 percent, and a perpetual injunction restraining further use of its work.
The suit was filed on September 29, 2025, by counsel Jimoh Bamigbola and Omobolaji Idris.
In its statement of defence, Qore Technologies denied the allegations, maintaining that Offset was engaged only for limited, project-based public relations support services for which it was duly compensated.
The company argued that the materials referenced by the claimant do not qualify for copyright protection, describing them as generic corporate communication practices commonly used across the industry.
Qore further stated that its branding and communication strategies were developed internally and in collaboration with its consultants, adding that no binding agreement existed in respect of the proposal cited by the claimant.
The defendant also challenged the competence of the suit, contending that it discloses no reasonable cause of action and that the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
In addition, Qore filed a counterclaim seeking N6.35 million as reimbursement for legal expenses incurred in defending the suit, as well as N2 million in costs.
At the last hearing on March 23, 2026, counsel to both parties adopted their processes, and the court adjourned the case to June 22, 2026, for further proceedings.
The case is expected to provide further judicial guidance on the scope of copyright protection within Nigeria’s communications and public relations industry, particularly on the ownership and use of proposals and business concepts.
