Copyright Dispute: Firm Drags Qore To Court, Seeks N50m

Offset Communications Advisory Ltd has dragged Qore Technologies Ltd before 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 stated in its originating processes that it had previously handled public relations assignments for Qore and was later invited to develop a comprehensive communications strategy covering employee engagement, branding and stakeholder management.

The firm alleged that Qore implemented aspects of the proposal, including internal communication initiatives and branding concepts, without entering into any formal agreement or making any payment.

According to the claimant, it became aware of the alleged infringement in April 2025 and notified the defendant, but efforts to resolve the matter amicably failed.

Offset is seeking a declaration that Qore’s actions amount to copyright infringement, N50 million in general damages, N5 million as litigation costs, post-judgment interest at 29 per cent, 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.

However, in its statement of defence, Qore Technologies denied the allegations, insisting that Offset was engaged only for limited, project-based public relations 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 widely used in the industry.

Qore further maintained that its branding and communication strategies were developed internally and in collaboration with consultants, adding that no binding agreement existed in respect of the proposal cited by the claimant.

The defendant also challenged the suit’s competence, arguing that it discloses no reasonable cause of action and that the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain it.

In a counterclaim, Qore seeks N6.35 million in reimbursement of 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 matter to June 22, 2026, for further proceedings.