Legal Insights
Did you know? – Copyright
A short note on when copyright arises, whether registration is needed, and where infringement claims are heard.
October 11, 2026
Sobowale, Medidem & Bello · Lagos, Nigeria
We do things differently. Our business is understanding yours by working with you.
…a heritage beyond results.
About the firm
Sobowale, Medidem & Bello (SMB) is a specialised commercial law firm with a credible track record in dispute resolution (litigation and arbitration), corporate and commercial law, intellectual property, maritime, real estate, insolvency and general business advisory, taxation, media and entertainment, and emerging markets.
We place a premium on client satisfaction and tailor our legal services to each client’s business needs. We advise private individuals and corporations in accordance with the finest ethics of the profession.
Our lawyers act across our practice areas from our office in Onikan, Lagos, and clients can meet our partners and associates directly.
Our expertise
You’re in good hands here. These are the areas clients most often bring to us.
Commercial litigation is our main forte, backed by a thorough knowledge of the courts and their rules.
Domestic and international commercial arbitration and mediation, including a hybrid lit-med model where it suits.
Tax advice within our corporate and commercial practice, led by our Managing Partner.
Statutory returns, legal audits and compliance with banking and other regulatory requirements.
General legal advice on diverse corporate matters, from company formation to board and shareholder meetings.
Advice to local and international companies in fast-growing technology and emerging-market industries.
Advice on domestic and international banking, including secured, unsecured, multi-currency and syndicated lending.
Legal support for media, entertainment and brand businesses, including intellectual property.
Why SMB
We are pragmatic and result-oriented, innovative and quick to understand a client’s business, simple and agile, prudent and cost-effective.
We work with you to understand how your business operates, so that our advice fits your commercial reality.
We look beyond the immediate question to the wider commercial context in which you are making your decision.
We tailor our legal services to the specific needs of each client’s business, whether you are a private individual or a corporation.
Our clients-response design gives current and prospective clients direct access to us. Through our network of professionals and affiliates, we remain ready to attend to your instructions within and outside jurisdiction.
We have built enduring relationships with public officials, government regulatory agencies and parastatals, providing legal services in almost every discipline.
Our people
Three founding partners lead the firm, supported by a team of associates.
Legal Insights
Articles from our lawyers on Nigerian commercial, regulatory and dispute-resolution developments.
A short note on when copyright arises, whether registration is needed, and where infringement claims are heard.
Whether the proposed Award Review Tribunal can solve the problems of enforcing arbitral awards in Nigeria.
How promoting arbitration can help encourage investment by giving investors confidence in dispute resolution.
Contact SMB
Tell us what you need and we will respond promptly. Our clients’ response line operates 24/7.