KNOW THE LAW

A divorce settlement is an arrangement, adjustment or other understanding reached, as in financial or business proceedings between two adults who have chosen to divorce. It serves as the final legal agreement between these adults for documenting the terms of their divorce. A…

The Medical and Dental Practitioners Act (the Act) 2004 is the principal law regulating the medical profession in Nigeria. This Act established the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), which provides for the registration of medical and dental practitioners. The MDCN…

The grant of Mining Lease is coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development(MMSD) under the Mining Cadastre Office approving same. It is also very instructive to note that applications for a mining lease in Nigeria must strictly comply and…

In Nigeria, a foreign company can operate a secondary establishment, such branch, or subsidiary. Thus, in order to gain local incorporation of the Nigerian branch or subsidiary as a separate legal entity, such a firm must meet specific legal conditions. The only…

Most times individuals in Nigeria or even outside of Nigeria may need to obtain a police character certificate for different reasons or purposes. However, the most common reason for obtaining a police character certificate is for immigration or travel purpose. In this…

Personal Income Tax (PIT) is a tax imposed on individuals including employees, partners in a partnership, unincorporated trusts, joint ventures, families and communities. It is imposed based on source and residency rules. The two key legislation are the Personal Income Tax Amendment…

Starting your own business (either small or big) is a big, scary step in the unknown no doubt. It comes with lots of risks – the risk of losing your capital, interest, and profit. You’re also at risk of employing the wrong employee,…

Introduction Over the years, trademarks have gained prominence around the world as one of the most important intangible assets of any business. Trademarks play a crucial role in branding as they provide businesses and their products with a unique identity. Today's article…

The Nigerian Patents & Designs Act provides that "any combination of lines and/or colours and three-dimensional form whether or not associated with colours is an industrial design, if it is intended by the creator to be used as a model or pattern to…

WHAT IS A PATENT? A patent is a government authority or licence conferring an exclusive right or title for a set period, especially the sole right to exclude others from making, using, or selling an invention in the country it is obtained…