Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) compliance, copyright infringement reporting procedures, and intellectual property protection policy for Nairahost web hosting services in Nigeria.
Last Updated: November 13, 2025
Nairahost ("we," "us," or "our") respects the intellectual property rights of others and expects all users of our Nigerian web hosting services to do the same. We have adopted and implemented a comprehensive policy that provides for the termination of accounts of users who repeatedly infringe the intellectual property rights of others.
This policy is in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 (DMCA), the Nigerian Copyright Act, the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, and other applicable international copyright laws and treaties.
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is a United States copyright law that implements two 1996 treaties of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The DMCA has been adopted as a standard framework globally, including in Nigeria's copyright enforcement practices.
The DMCA provides "safe harbor" protection to online service providers (like Nairahost) who act expeditiously to remove infringing content when properly notified. This means we are not liable for content our users upload, provided we follow proper procedures.
Copyright holders must submit formal notices identifying specific infringing materials. Service providers must act quickly to remove or disable access to the material once properly notified, or risk losing safe harbor protection.
Users whose content is removed have the right to file a counter-notice if they believe the removal was erroneous or the content is not infringing. This provides balance and due process protections.
Service providers must have a policy for terminating accounts of users who are repeat infringers of copyright. We maintain records of infringement claims and take escalating actions.
Before filing a DMCA takedown notice, ensure that:
Under Nigerian and international law, making false or fraudulent DMCA claims may result in legal liability, including damages for lost business, attorneys' fees, and court costs. Additionally, you may face perjury charges for knowingly misrepresenting information in a DMCA notice. Only file a DMCA notice if you genuinely believe your copyright has been infringed.
To file a legally compliant notice of copyright infringement with Nairahost, you must provide a written communication (by email or physical mail) that includes ALL of the following required elements:
Clearly identify the copyrighted work you claim has been infringed. If your claim involves multiple copyrighted works (such as multiple photographs or articles), you may provide a representative list.
Example: "I am the copyright owner of the original photograph titled 'Lagos Sunset' published on my portfolio website at www.example.com/photo123.jpg on January 15, 2024."
Provide specific URLs or locations where the allegedly infringing material is located on our servers. Generic statements like "on the user's website" are insufficient. We need exact URLs to locate and remove content.
Example: "The infringing material is located at: https://example-user-site.com/stolen-photo.jpg and https://example-user-site.com/gallery/image5.jpg"
Provide your full legal name, physical mailing address, telephone number, and email address. P.O. Boxes are acceptable for mailing addresses, but we need a valid means to contact you.
Example: "John Doe, 123 Main Street, Lagos, Nigeria. Phone: +234-XXX-XXX-XXXX. Email: johndoe@example.com"
Include a statement that you have a good faith belief that the use of the material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law.
Example: "I have a good faith belief that the use of the copyrighted material described above is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law."
Include a statement that the information in your notice is accurate, and under penalty of perjury, that you are the copyright owner or authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner.
Example: "I declare, under penalty of perjury, that the information in this notification is accurate and that I am the copyright owner or authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed."
Sign the notice with your physical signature (if sending by mail) or electronic signature (if sending by email). Typing your full name at the end of an email constitutes a valid electronic signature.
Example: "/s/ John Doe" or simply "John Doe" at the end of your email.
Use this template as a guide when preparing your DMCA notice. Replace the bracketed information with your specific details:
Subject: DMCA Takedown Notice To: Nairahost DMCA Agent support@nairahost.com.ng Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to notify you of copyright infringement on your servers hosted by Nairahost. 1. IDENTIFICATION OF COPYRIGHTED WORK: I am the owner of the copyright in the following work(s): [Describe your copyrighted work, e.g., "Original article titled 'Guide to Nigerian Web Hosting' published on my website www.mysite.com/article on March 1, 2025"] 2. IDENTIFICATION OF INFRINGING MATERIAL: The infringing material is located at the following URL(s): [List specific URLs, e.g., "https://infringing-website.com/stolen-article.html"] 3. CONTACT INFORMATION: Name: [Your Full Legal Name] Address: [Your Complete Mailing Address] Phone: [Your Phone Number] Email: [Your Email Address] 4. GOOD FAITH STATEMENT: I have a good faith belief that the use of the copyrighted material described above is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law. 5. ACCURACY STATEMENT: I declare, under penalty of perjury, that the information in this notification is accurate and that I am the copyright owner or authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed. 6. SIGNATURE: /s/ [Your Full Name] Date: [Current Date] Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Sincerely, [Your Name]
Send your DMCA notice to:
Subject Line: DMCA Takedown Notice
Expected Response: Within 24-48 hours
Mail your DMCA notice to:
Nairahost DMCA AgentExpected Response: Within 5-7 business days of receipt
Here's our step-by-step process for handling DMCA takedown notices:
We receive your notice and verify it contains all required elements
0-4 hoursOur team validates the complaint and locates the allegedly infringing content
4-24 hoursWe remove or disable access to the content identified in your notice
24-48 hoursWe notify both you and the content uploader of the action taken
48-72 hoursConsider filing a counter-notice if:
Your counter-notice must include ALL of the following elements:
Nairahost maintains a strict policy regarding repeat copyright infringers, as required by the DMCA.
A user is considered a repeat infringer if:
WARNING: Making false or fraudulent DMCA claims has serious legal consequences.
Under Section 512(f) of the DMCA and Nigerian law, you may be held liable for damages if you knowingly materially misrepresent that material is infringing or was removed by mistake. Potential consequences include:
Be aware that:
This DMCA policy provides information about our procedures but does not constitute legal advice. If you have questions about whether content infringes your copyright or whether your use of content is infringing, consult with a qualified attorney. Nairahost cannot provide legal advice regarding copyright law.
Before filing a DMCA notice, consider whether the use of your work may be protected under copyright exceptions:
Use of copyrighted material may be fair use if it is:
Parody may be protected if it:
Educational institutions may have broader fair use rights for:
Journalists and news organizations may use copyrighted material for:
Note: Fair use is determined on a case-by-case basis and involves complex legal analysis. If you believe content using your work is fair use, you should still consider the factors above before filing a DMCA notice. If you're uncertain, consult an attorney.
While we follow DMCA procedures (which are internationally recognized), Nairahost also complies with Nigerian copyright law:
Under Nigerian law, the following works are protected:
Copyright infringement is a criminal offense in Nigeria punishable by:
DMCA notices are specifically for copyright infringement. For other types of violations, use the appropriate reporting method:
For unauthorized use of trademarks, logos, or brand names:
Email: legal@nairahost.com.ng
Subject: Trademark Infringement Complaint
For spam, malware, phishing, or Terms of Service violations:
Email: abuse@nairahost.com.ng
Subject: Abuse Report - [Type of Abuse]
For unauthorized publication of personal information (doxxing):
Email: privacy@nairahost.com.ng
Subject: Privacy Violation Report
For libelous or defamatory content:
Email: legal@nairahost.com.ng
Subject: Defamation Complaint
Note: May require court order
Our legal compliance team is available to answer questions about copyright infringement and DMCA procedures.
Nairahost DMCA Agent Address:
Legal Department - Copyright Compliance
11 Brandon Street, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
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