At an early age, Chinwe was introduced to folk songs and various unique musical styles, including Afrobeats. These early influences have not only shaped her local culture but has also gained global recognition.
For as long as she can remember, music was an integral part of Chinwe’s life - from different genres, to playing instruments, and attending live performances.
As part of FICPI's celebration of World IP Day 2025, whose theme is “Celebrating the beat of IP in music”, we interviewed a number of FICPI members for whom music is dear to their professional and personal interests.
Witnessing the rise of the music industry, with its profound impact on both the economy and society, ignited Chinwe’s interest in understanding the legal aspects of music, specifically how performance, consumption, and dissemination are governed by copyrights.
Chinwe reflects, “Growing up, my love for music deepened, and as I entered the legal profession, I became increasingly fascinated by the significant role music plays in shaping cultural and economic landscapes.”
As an attorney in the IP field, some of Chinwe’s experience in music has been on advising clients in the music industry on copyright protection, including music creation, performance, production, and publication.
She says, “Music relies heavily on IP laws like copyright to safeguard compositions, recordings, and performances, which are essential for sustaining careers in the industry. Creativity and IP come together in a way that allows artistic expression to flourish while also ensuring creators are acknowledged for their ingenuity and fairly compensated for their work.”
Chinwe has helped clients navigate the complexities of copyright law, including registering their works, securing their rights, and addressing potential infringements. Her experience also extends to negotiating the acquisition, transfer, and music licensing agreements, distribution deals, and addressing issues surrounding the digital consumption of music.
Unapproved use
One particularly interesting case Chinwe was involved with in the music industry was related to unauthorised sampling.
A producer had used a short snippet from a song without obtaining proper clearance or informing the original artist/label (Chinwe’s client).
She explains, “Upon discovering the unapproved use, we approached the other party, who initially argued that the sample had been heavily transformed and was no longer recognisable. However, we knew this was clearly a case of infringement, despite any attempt to blur the lines between inspiration and infringement.”
When the producer became aware of this, they recognised the risk of litigation and the fact that they had indeed infringed upon the original copyright. Understanding that the situation was not tenable, they were compelled to enter into negotiations.
“We maintained a firm stance on the requirement for proper clearance, and after some back-and-forth, the producer agreed to the terms, allowing the track to be released with the appropriate licensing in place and compensating our client for the use of the sample,” concludes Chinwe.
For Chinwe, this case serves as a strong reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting intellectual property rights.
She underlines, “This case underscored how crucial it is for artists and producers to secure the necessary permissions before using any copyrighted material and how proactive negotiations can resolve these issues without escalating into full-blown litigation.”
The future of IP and music
Looking to the future, Chinwe believes the future of music in relation to IP will be increasingly shaped by technological advancements and the growing role of digital platforms.
Chinwe observes, “As music consumption continues to shift towards streaming services and digital distribution, intellectual property law will play an even more critical role in protecting the rights of artists, producers, and other stakeholders in the industry.
“We are already seeing a significant rise in issues such as digital copyright enforcement, the protection of music in the metaverse, and the challenges of tracking and monetizing music rights in a global, interconnected market. As new technologies, like AI-generated music and blockchain for royalty tracking gain traction, IP law will need to evolve to address the complexities and new challenges these innovations present.”
Chinwe also sees an increasing focus on international collaboration to standardise IP protection across borders, especially at a time where global music distribution is more accessible than ever.
“Music creators will continue to rely on IP to safeguard their work, and the future will likely see more streamlined and innovative ways to manage and protect their rights in the digital landscape,” she believes.
Reflecting on rapid developments in the IP and music field, Chinwe concludes: “My passion for music and intellectual property law has shaped my career in ways that I find deeply rewarding. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with industry professionals, which has given me invaluable insights and understanding of the real-world challenges they face in protecting their creative works.
“In today’s rapidly evolving music industry, it is essential for creators to have a strong legal foundation to safeguard their intellectual property. The landscape is constantly shifting, and I find it incredibly fulfilling to play a role in shaping the legal framework that ensures artists and creators are well-protected. I am passionate about continuing to support the industry in any way I can, especially in this exciting time of transformation where technology and creativity come together in new and innovative ways.”
Next steps
- If you are interested in getting involved with FICPI's committees and working parties, find out more at: https://ficpi.org/organisation/committees
- If you're not yet a FICPI member, apply using our current accelerated process, in time to join us at the FICPI World Congress in Naples, Italy in October 2025.
