Art Law: Authenticity & Copyright

1. The Guarantee of Authenticity

Every original artwork sold through Uncanny Details is accompanied by a formal Certificate of Authenticity (COA):

• The COA as a Passport: This document is hand-signed by the artist or an authorized representative of Uncanny Details. It includes the work's title, medium, dimensions, and year of creation. This is our legal guarantee to you that the work is an original creation of the stated artist.
• Legal Weight: This certificate serves as your primary legal proof of provenance. We recommend keeping this document in a secure location, as it is essential for the future valuation or resale of the piece.
• Rescission Right: In the highly unlikely event that a work sold by us is proven to be a forgery or significantly misrepresented by qualified experts, the buyer is entitled to a full refund of the purchase price upon the return of the artwork in its original condition. This "Right of Rescission" is our ultimate commitment to collector confidence.
• Marketable Title: We warrant that every artist we represent has the legal right to sell their work and that the work is free from any undisclosed liens or encumbrances.

2. Copyright & Intellectual Property

In accordance with the Copyright Act 2022 of Nigeria and international treaties (such as the Berne Convention), we uphold the following:

• The Artist’s Ownership: Purchasing a physical work of art grants you ownership of the physical object. However, the Copyright (the right to reproduce, print, or use the image for commercial purposes) remains with the artist unless a specific written transfer of copyright is executed.
  Without such specific written transfer of copyright, you may not print merchandise, create digital copies for sale, or use the image for commercial advertising without a separate licensing agreement.
• Moral Rights: We fiercely protect the "Moral Rights" of our artists. This means the artist has the right to be properly credited and to object to any distortion or mutilation of their work or "derogatory treatment" that would be prejudicial to their honor or might harm the artist’s reputation.

3. Resale Royalty Rights (Droit de Suite)

We are proud to operate in a jurisdiction that recognizes the Artist’s Resale Right. We believe artists should benefit as their market value grows.

• Under Section 17 of the Nigerian Copyright Act 2022, (visual) artists are entitled to a percentage of the sale price when their work is resold through a professional gallery or auction house.
• This ensures that as an artist’s career grows and their work appreciates in value, they continue to benefit from their creative legacy.
• If you choose to resell a piece acquired from us in the future, we can facilitate that process while ensuring the artist receives their statutory royalty, keeping your collection ethically and legally compliant.

4. Global Art Logistics & Export Compliance

Transporting art across borders requires more than just a crate; it requires legal clearance.

• NCMM Clearance: For our international collectors, shipping art out of Nigeria is a regulated process. For any artwork leaving Nigeria, we facilitate the mandatory Clearance Permit from the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM).
• Contemporary Art Exports: Please note that even modern, contemporary works require this clearance to verify they are not restricted antiquities. Per current regulations, a statutory 10% administrative fee of the artwork's value is typically required for these government permits.
• Import Duties: International collectors are responsible for any import duties or "Value Added Tax" (VAT) applied by their home country’s customs authority.

5. Art Leasing & Corporate Collections

For our corporate partners and clients using our Art Leasing services:

• The Framework: Leased artworks remain the legal property of Uncanny Details LTD (or the artist).
• Duty of Care: The lessee is legally responsible for maintaining the work in a climate-controlled, secure environment as specified in our individual Lease Agreements.

6. Dispute Resolution: The Fair Middleman

In the event of a disagreement between a collector and an artist, Uncanny Details acts as the first point of mediation. Our goal is always a "win-win" resolution. If we cannot reach an amicable agreement, the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall govern the contract, with the courts in Abuja serving as the final jurisdiction.

7. Changes to This Page

The art market and the laws governing it are constantly evolving. Uncanny Details reserves the right to update this Art Law page at any time to reflect new regulations or business practices. We will always note the "Last Updated" date at the top of the page so you can stay informed. Your continued engagement with our services constitutes acceptance of these legal standards.

7. Contact Our Legal & Art Advisory Team

Have a question about provenance? Need to verify a COA? Or perhaps you're an artist looking to understand your rights? We are here to help. Please reach out via email: hello@uncannydetails.com