Dansoman, Accra: OFM COMPUTER WORLD, a subsidiary of MULTI DEBRICH GROUP LTD, has taken decisive legal action to reclaim ownership of the YouTube channel @EstherSmithMusic, originally created and managed by the company for UK-based Ghanaian gospel artist Esther Smith.
The dispute, now a legal matter in the Dansoman Court in Accra, Ghana (Suit No. CCD/C2/26/24), highlights critical issues surrounding digital content ownership and management rights in the entertainment industry.
OFM COMPUTER WORLD, a subsidiary of MULTI DEBRICH GROUP LTD, is taking legal action to reclaim ownership of Esther Smith’s YouTube channel, @EstherSmithMusic. The channel was originally created and managed by OFM COMPUTER WORLD for the UK-based Ghanaian gospel artist ¹.
The dispute is currently being heard in the Dansoman Court in Accra, Ghana, with suit number CCD/C2/26/24. This case highlights the critical issues surrounding digital content ownership and management rights in the entertainment industry.
OFM COMPUTER WORLD has previously taken legal action against Team Eternity Ghana over copyright infringement, showcasing their commitment to protecting their intellectual property rights ².
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for Esther Smith’s career, including her upcoming concert and future engagements. It may also set a precedent for how OFM COMPUTER WORLD handles similar disputes in the future ³.
*Key Issues in the Dispute:*
– *Digital Content Ownership*: Who owns the digital content on the YouTube channel, @EstherSmithMusic?
– *Management Rights*: Who has the right to manage the channel and make decisions about its content?
– *Intellectual Property Rights*: How do intellectual property rights apply to digital content in the entertainment industry?
The case is ongoing, and its outcome will be closely watched by the entertainment industry and beyond.
Background of the Dispute
On July 12, 2020, OFM COMPUTER WORLD, under the leadership of Dr. Debrich Jeremiah Acheampong, officially created the YouTube channel @EstherSmithMusic to support and promote Esther Smith’s gospel music career. The channel was built on the domain esthersmith.org, which remains under the control of OFM COMPUTER WORLD.
A legally binding agreement, signed by Esther Smith on June 16, 2020, acknowledges the role of OFM COMPUTER WORLD as the channel’s rightful creator and manager. The agreement, backed by Esther Smith’s German National ID, outlines the company’s responsibility for technical and promotional management of the digital platform.
The dispute between OFM COMPUTER WORLD and Esther Smith revolves around the ownership and management of Esther Smith’s YouTube channel, @EstherSmithMusic. Here’s a breakdown of the background:
– *Creation of the Channel*: OFM COMPUTER WORLD, led by Dr. Debrich Jeremiah Acheampong, created the YouTube channel on July 12, 2020, to promote Esther Smith’s gospel music career ¹.
– *Domain Control*: The channel was built on the domain (link unavailable), which remains under OFM COMPUTER WORLD’s control.
– *Legally Binding Agreement*: Esther Smith signed a legally binding agreement on June 16, 2020, acknowledging OFM COMPUTER WORLD as the channel’s rightful creator and manager. The agreement is backed by Esther Smith’s German National ID and outlines the company’s responsibility for technical and promotional management of the digital platform ¹.
The dispute has led to a lawsuit, with OFM COMPUTER WORLD seeking to reclaim ownership and management of the channel.
However, without prior consultation or consent, Esther Smith unilaterally changed the channel’s password and recovery email, effectively locking out the original creators and managers. This action has raised serious legal and ethical concerns regarding contractual obligations and digital rights.
Here’s a summary of the dispute:
Background
– OFM COMPUTER WORLD created Esther Smith’s YouTube channel (@EstherSmithMusic) on July 12, 2020.
– The channel was built on the domain (link unavailable), controlled by OFM COMPUTER WORLD.
– Esther Smith signed a legally binding agreement on June 16, 2020, acknowledging OFM COMPUTER WORLD as the channel’s creator and manager.
Dispute
– Esther Smith unilaterally changed the channel’s password and recovery email without consulting OFM COMPUTER WORLD.
– This action locked out the original creators and managers, raising legal and ethical concerns.
– OFM COMPUTER WORLD is seeking to reclaim ownership and management of the channel through a lawsuit.
Key Issues
– Contractual obligations: Esther Smith’s actions may have breached the agreement.
– Digital rights: The dispute raises questions about ownership and control of digital platforms.
– Ethical concerns: Esther Smith’s unilateral actions may be seen as unethical and potentially damaging to OFM COMPUTER WORLD’s reputation.
1. *Formal Petition to YouTube Support*: OFM COMPUTER WORLD has petitioned YouTube Support to review the ownership of the @EstherSmithMusic channel.
2. *Submission of Supporting Documents*: The company has submitted several documents to support their claim, including:
1. The original signed agreement between OFM COMPUTER WORLD and Esther Smith.
2. A copy of Esther Smith’s German National ID for identity verification.
3. Official proof of the channel’s creation under the Gmail username esthersmithorg.
4. Legal documentation from the Dansoman Court in Accra, proving the case is under judicial review.
5. Evidence of OFM COMPUTER WORLD’s active management of the channel before the unauthorized access change.
3. *Escalation to Google’s Legal Support Team*: OFM COMPUTER WORLD has escalated the case to Google’s Legal Support Team, seeking intervention to restore rightful ownership and ensure compliance with digital media agreements.Key Objectives
1. Restore rightful ownership of the @EstherSmithMusic channel to OFM COMPUTER WORLD.
2. Ensure compliance with digital media agreements and protect OFM COMPUTER WORLD’s intellectual property rights.
3. Prevent unauthorized access and management of the channel.
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Impact on Digital Content Ownership in the Music Industry
This case sets a significant precedent for digital media management within the African entertainment industry. Many artists rely on digital platforms such as YouTube for revenue generation, promotions, and audience engagement. However, disputes over ownership often arise when clear contractual agreements are not respected.
Dr. Debrich Jeremiah Acheampong, CEO of OFM COMPUTER WORLD Europe and MULTI DEBRICH GROUP LTD Ghana, emphasized the importance of protecting digital assets and intellectual property:
“Digital content management is a serious business. Companies invest time, expertise, and financial resources into building online platforms for artists. Unauthorized takeovers not only violate agreements but also undermine trust in the industry. This case is about ensuring that contractual obligations are honored and digital rights are protected.”
Call for Industry-Wide Regulations
OFM COMPUTER WORLD urges stakeholders in the music and entertainment industry to establish clearer regulations governing digital content ownership and management. The company calls on:
- Music labels and managers to enforce stricter agreements regarding online platforms.
- Artists to honor contractual obligations and seek proper legal consultation before making unauthorized changes.
- Tech companies like YouTube and Google to enhance their dispute resolution mechanisms to prevent digital hijacking cases.
What’s Next?
As the legal case proceeds, OFM COMPUTER WORLD remains committed to reclaiming the @EstherSmithMusic channel and ensuring justice is served. The company also advises businesses and artists to establish strong digital content policies to prevent similar disputes.
OFM COMPUTER WORLD is confident that justice will prevail and that YouTube will take appropriate action to restore rightful ownership of the channel.
OFM COMPUTER WORLD EUROPE
MULTI DEBRICH GROUP LTD GHANA
Website: OFMcomputerWorld.com
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