ARIPO

What's the value of registering #IP? How can registered #IP make money for you? Dr. Dr. Byson Colyns Sabola shed light on these and other critical questions from #innovators and #creators at the ongoing Kenya Innovation Week (KIW). Intellectual property rights are key from idea development to commercialisation; therefore, they should remain top-of-mind in the #innovation process. Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA)

The highlight of the Future Cities Summit was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Konza Technopolis and Kenya Industrial Property Institute, which will see the establishment of the Konza Technology and Innovation Support Center (KTISC). An institution to provide a ready pool of science and technical experts with the competence to conduct patent searches, draft patents, assist in patent prosecution, and benefit from IP capacity-building interventions of KIPI, which will result in increased IP creation, protection and commercialisation of their inventions. John Paul Okwiri, OGW, MBA, MCIPS , CEO of KIP, John Onyango Mercy Kimalat Caroline Kiarie- Kimondo Caroline Nyamwaya Mwazi Ivy Syovata Julius Coredo, CPC Odeyo Justus Ochieng, MCIM Josephine Ndambuki #KIW2024 #AfricaInnovation #FutureCitiesSummit Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) ASSEK UNDP Konza Technopolis Ministry of Information, Communications and The Digital Economy Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports and The Arts

Are you a junior or aspiring patent professional? WIPO’s practice-oriented patent drafting training program helps patent agents, technology transfer officers, and others enhance their patent drafting skills across different technical fields: https://lnkd.in/dh-nPDq5 Developed in cooperation with the FICPI - International Federation of Intellectual Property Attorneys, the program offers hands-on learning and tailored mentoring, delivered by globally recognized instructors via online modules and a face-to-face workshop. A limited number of scholarships are available for applicants from developing, least developed and countries with economies in transition. Apply by January 12, 2025 – early applications are encouraged! #WIPO #Patent #Patents #PatentDrafting #IntellectualProperty #DistanceLearning

ARIPO is taking part in the Seed Systems Conference in Kampala, Uganda, with the theme "Cultivating Knowledge: Advancing Seed Systems through Collaboration and Innovation." The conference serves as a platform for stakeholders in the seed industry to share best practices and learn from one another. It provides an opportunity to discuss and address challenges within seed systems, including those posed by climate change. Participants can enhance their understanding of seed policies and regulations, while digital technology providers can showcase their latest innovations to seed stakeholders. Additionally, the conference fosters collaboration among key players in the seed value chain. ARIPO is represented by the Legal Officer, Mrs. Eleanor Larbie.

We are excited to share insights on how to commercialize 🚀💰your #intellectualproperty 💡at the Kenya Innovation Week (KIW) Intellectual Property & Commercialization Summit tomorrow🗓️! Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA)

🌍 Empowering Creativity: ARIPO Regional Seminar on Copyright and the Creative Economy 🎨🎵📚 This morning, ARIPO Director General Mr. Bemanya Twebaze officially opened the World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO and ARIPO Regional Seminar on #Copyright as a driver of the creative economy at the Hyatt Regency (The Meikles) in Harare, Zimbabwe. 📢 Key Highlights from his opening remarks: ✅ Copyright as the Backbone of the Creative Economy: Copyright empowers creators and drives industries like music, film, literature, and software development. Studies in ARIPO Member States, Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, and Tanzania reveal that the creative economy contributes significantly to GDP (3-5%) and employment (2.6-3.35%). ✅ Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Era: While piracy and unauthorized use remain challenges, there’s immense potential for Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) to embrace digital platforms like YouTube and Spotify, increasing benefits for rights holders. ✅ Regional Progress - The Kampala Protocol: Namibia became the first ARIPO Member State to ratify the Kampala Protocol, marking a step forward in creating a Regional Copyright database and promoting socio-economic development through voluntary copyright registration. ✅ Collaborative Efforts: ARIPO and WIPO continue to strengthen copyright and related rights protection through international cooperation, capacity building, and technical advancements, such as the forthcoming e-Copyright system. This seminar underscores the importance of Copyright in fostering creativity, innovation, and economic growth across Africa. As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, ARIPO remains committed to creating an environment that rewards and sustains creative industries for the benefit of all stakeholders. 💡 Let’s harness the power of Copyright to drive Africa’s creative economy forward! #Copyright #CreativeEconomy #Innovation

An exceptional gathering of approximately 60 key stakeholders from the creative industries across 22 African countries is taking place this week in the vibrant city of Harare during the WIPO-ARIPO seminar on “Copyright: A Driver of the Creative Economy.” Participants include heads of copyright offices, leaders of CMOs, and key partners such as IFRRO, IFPI SCAPR, International Federation of Musicians, African Publishers Network (APNET) and International Authors Forum, as well as regional associations and federations like the Music In Africa Foundation, Africa Foundation, the Global Audiovisual Alliance, and the African Federation of Audiovisual Societies. This three-day seminar focuses on three primary creative industries: music, publishing, and audiovisuals. The goal is to collaboratively explore ways to move beyond the status quo, address challenges faced by African nations, and unlock untapped opportunities. The concluding session will also introduce the intersection of intellectual property (IP) and competition policy. Africa's rapid digital growth is propelling its music, films, books, and other creative works onto the global stage, solidifying the continent’s position as a significant contributor to the arts and enabling creative content to break into new markets. Despite global recognition of the creative industries' potential to drive social and economic development, Africa accounts for just 3% of the global creative trade, which is valued at $2.25 trillion annually. Nevertheless, African nations are increasingly demonstrating their commitment to protecting and fostering their creative sectors to support their growing economies. To unlock this potential, WIPO is collaborating closely with Member States to create a supportive ecosystem, including robust copyright legal frameworks and operational rights management systems tailored to the digital era. For African creators and entrepreneurs to benefit economically from their works, tools like WIPO Connect and metadata identifiers are essential, enabling them to trace their creations globally and ensure fair remuneration. It is our shared responsibility to empower Africa’s bold and talented young artists to craft their unique creative identities and make their mark on the international stage. Special thanks to ARIPO’s Director General, Bemanya Twebaze and his dedicated team for their outstanding organization and warm hospitality, as well as to our key partners and great experts for their active participation. Together, we can turn these aspirations into reality. Daren Tang Hasan Kleib Beatriz Amorim-Borher, Sarah Theurich, Loretta Asiedu Anita Huss-Ekerhult, Michel Allain, Miyuki Monroig, Dr. Pierre El Khoury (Ph.D, LL.M, DEA),Maureen Fondo, AMADU BAH, @Thomas Dayan, Olav Stokkmo, Eddie Hatitye, Joshua Madalitso Chiundiza, Thanasis V., Angela Ndambuki , Ntsietso Mokitimi-Makhofola, Samantha Mandiveyi,Asare Yamoah, Glenda Mutasa, Juan Carlos Montes

Did someone say #Innovation? We are there! 😅 Come through to the Kenya Innovation Week (KIW) Booth 26 and engage with the #ARIPO team. Let's talk all things #intellectualproperty and how you can turn your #IP 💡 into profit. 🫰 💰 Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) #Nairobi KIPI Kenya Industrial Property Institute

The #ArushaProtocol comes into force today! 🎉🎉Join us in celebrating this milestone in the ARIPO Region! #ARIPOMemberStates

I had the privilege of attending the International Symposium on Intellectual Property and Traditional #CulturalExpressions (TCEs) in Wenzhou, China, from 5 to 7 Nov 2024, hosted by the National Copyright Administration of China (NCAC) in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO. It was an enriching experience filled with insightful discussions and inspiring examples that underscored the need to protect and promote traditional knowledge and cultural expressions globally 🌍. The symposium included 20 international experts and 200 local participants from enterprises, associations, and government. I was honoured to represent ARIPO and share insights on policies and legislation protecting TCEs. One of the most fascinating aspects was the study visits, offering a firsthand look at how China integrates Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) with the preservation and commercialization of TCEs. From Donghai Shell Carving Art Museum to Dongyuan Village’s woodblock printing techniques and the innovative practices of Zoenn Design Co. Ltd, the dedication to preserving TCEs while embracing #innovation was evident 🎨. The NCAC was present in the different museums to assist with registration services.   Key takeaways:  1. Economic Benefits: TCEs can boost community livelihoods through better packaging, branding, and IP protection 💼. 2. Knowledge Preservation: Involving youth in traditional crafts helps keep these art forms alive 👶. 3. Tradition Meets Innovation: Companies like Zoenn Design Co. Ltd. use technology to enhance traditional designs authentically 💡. 4. Sustainable Crafting: A “nothing goes to waste” approach turns materials into valuable products ♻️.   The symposium also addressed challenges such as cultural erosion, misappropriation of TCEs, and the need for comprehensive databases. These challenges offer opportunities to create legal frameworks, promote Access and Benefit Sharing, and build IP capacities for Indigenous communities. ARIPO has the Swakopmund Protocol to protect Traditional Knowledge and Expressions of Folklore against misappropriation, misuse, and unlawful exploitation beyond their lawful context. It entered into force on 11 May 2015. The event concluded with hopeful discussions about strengthening collaborations. As we celebrate our cultural heritage, this symposium reminded us of the urgency of responsibly protecting, promoting, and commercializing TCEs. By integrating traditional knowledge into the modern economy, we can ensure our cultural expressions remain relevant, respected, and beneficial for future generations 🌱. At ARIPO, we are committed to leading these efforts. Let’s champion policies, frameworks, and collaborations that give TCEs the global recognition they deserve 🌟.