Entertainment law

The Entertainment Law and Intellectual Property (ELIP) Practice at Pelican Crest was created to meet rising demand for tailored legal and business services in Nigeria’s creative industries. We stand out for our deep understanding of these industries and their unique legal challenges. Our hybrid model combines traditional legal skills with digital-first delivery for greater accessibility. ELIP focuses on serving underrepresented sectors like gospel musicians and independent creators in music, film, lifestyle, design, and digital content. Clients include independent musicians, content creators, designers, creative businesses, and gospel ministries. We offer services such as intellectual property protection, trademarks, copyright, design registration, licensing, digital rights management, and legal education. More than legal counsel, our ELIP team partners in client growth. Our strategy includes community-building, outreach, and service packages for long-term value. From legal advisory to IP registration and monetization frameworks, we emphasize clarity, sustainability, and partnership. Based in Ibadan with clients across Nigeria, our services also reach creatives throughout Africa and global creative markets.

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0% Entertainment law

Entertainment & IP Law Expertise Across Nigeria

Since its inception, the Pelican Crest Entertainment Law and Intellectual Property (ELIP) Practice has advised and represented a wide range of creatives—recording artists, film producers, content creators, gospel bands, and visual artists—across Ibadan, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and other creative hubs in Nigeria.

We’ve successfully negotiated and reviewed high-value contracts, cleared complex licensing deals, and resolved intellectual property disputes for clients in both music and film. Our work safeguards rights, unlocks revenue, protects ownership, and helps creatives scale their careers with legal clarity.

  • Negotiated and reviewed high-value contracts in music and film
  • Cleared complex licensing deals and resolved IP disputes
  • Safeguarded rights and helped clients unlock revenue streams
  • Supported creative careers with ownership protection and legal clarity
  • Panelist, Law Society Students’ Career Week, University of Ibadan Year

Entertainment law

Our work spans across
Music publishing and licensing support for live gospel bands and recording artists Contract negotiation and rights clearance for filmmakers and digital content creators Talent protection and deal structuring for rising stars entering brand and influencer partnerships Beyond client work, our team is actively involved in thought leadership and educational industry engagement. Our lead counsel has actively educated industry experts and enthusiasts on Entertainment and Intellectual Property law in various webinars, conferences, and schools like University of Ibadan and Koladeisi University, reflecting our growing reputation as a knowledge leader in the entertainment legal space. Whether behind the scenes of a distribution deal or advocating for creators in contract disputes, Pelican Crest ELIP stands as a trusted partner for creatives navigating the complexities of the entertainment and IP landscape.

Pelican Crest’s Entertainment Law and Intellectual Property (ELIP) Practice is known for delivering smart, discreet, and results-oriented legal solutions. Recent successes include: Film Contract Dispute Resolution (2024): Successfully resolved a rights and ownership dispute between a filmmaker and executive producer, avoiding litigation and enabling the film’s release while preserving key industry relationships. Music Publishing Deal Negotiation: Advised an independent artist on a high-risk publishing administration deal, renegotiating terms to protect ownership, improve royalty structure, and ensure creative control and transparency.

Diverse team members smiling

Core Service Offerings

Legal services

1. Legal Advisory and Contract Services

We provide comprehensive legal advisory services, including drafting and reviewing contracts such as performance agreements, licensing deals, and influencer partnerships. Our team ensures that clients’ interests are protected in all commercial negotiations, with a focus on fair compensation and rights retention.

2. Intellectual Property Registration and Enforcement

Our practice assists clients in registering and enforcing their intellectual property rights, including copyrights, trademarks, and designs under Nigerian law. We also handle dispute resolution and litigation to combat infringement and piracy, safeguarding our clients’ creative assets.

3. Rights Management and Publishing Administration

For musicians, songwriters, and content creators, we offer rights management services to help them navigate the complexities of royalty collection, publishing administration, and cross-platform content distribution. This ensures clients maximize revenue from their creative works.

4. Training and Legal Education

We empower creatives through workshops, webinars, and community-based legal education programs. These initiatives demystify intellectual property law and equip clients with the knowledge to protect their work independently.

5. Digital Product & Template Storefront

Create a low-cost, self-serve digital storefront offering downloadable legal tools like: contract templates (influencer deals, music producer splits, NDAs), IP registration checklists, rights clearance forms, and guides like “How to Register Your Trademark in Nigeria”.

6. Regulatory Compliance / Registrations

We assist with business structuring, IP registrations (copyrights, trademarks, patents, designs), and approvals from regulatory agencies or CMOs. We also offer compliance toolkits and micro-advisory services tailored to platform requirements (YouTube monetization, TikTok music licensing, Selar digital sales rights, etc.).

We offer industry-specific legal solutions for creators, innovators, and emerging entrepreneurs. From contracts to IP protection, we help you build and safeguard your creative business.

Music

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Film & Television

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Digital Content & Influencer Economy

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Visual Arts & Design

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Small Creative Businesses

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Startups & Entrepreneurs

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Non-Legal Support

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Team Profile

Olubunmi Abosede Apantaku

OLUBUNMI ABOSEDE APANTAKU

PRACTICE HEAD, ENTERTAINMENT LAW & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (ELIP)

Olubunmi is a strategic legal advisor and Practice Head at Pelican Crest Legal Practitioners. Known for her pioneering work in entertainment law, she has supported creatives like gospel artists, filmmakers, and influencers in contract negotiation, IP protection, and digital monetization. Her work spans legal advocacy, mentorship, and education through masterclasses and digital initiatives to empower African creatives.

Olubunmi Abosede Apantaku

FUNMILAYO ADEGBOLA ISAAC

ADMIN

With a strong background in legal administration and office management, Funmilayo Adegbola Isaac plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our firm. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, they oversee daily administrative functions, coordinate schedules, maintain client records, and support the legal team with seamless workflow solutions.

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Our Practice Groups

At Pelicancrest , our law firm is divided into the following specialized practice groups
Books in glass bookcase
Dispute Resolution – Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Books in glass bookcase
Entertainment and Intellectual Property
Data Protection and Privacy
Corporate Commercial and Business Advisory
Property – Sales, Lease, Management, and Products