News & Insights
Court of Appeal Rules ARIPO Trade Marks Unenforceable in Tanzania
Important Topics A landmark ruling confirms that ARIPO trademarks have no legal effect in Tanzania unless the Banjul Protocol is domesticated into national law. Court of Appeal Rules ARIPO Trade Marks Unenforceable in Tanzania In a significant ruling delivered on 26 September 2025 and reported on 18 December, Tanzania’s Court of Appeal confirmed that ARIPO […]
February 18 2026
Sudan’s IP Office has returned to Khartoum
While the Sudan Trade Mark Office has returned to Khartoum, normal operations remain suspended. Important Topics Sudan’s IP Office has returned to Khartoum The Sudan Trademark Office has relocated back to Khartoum, but not to its main headquarters. It is operating from an alternative location under the same temporary protocols previously used in Port Sudan, […]
February 18 2026
South Africa Adopts the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification
Important Topics As of 1 January 2026, South Africa has implemented the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification. South Africa Adopts the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification Following, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Official Circular No. 37/2025, announcing the implementation of the 13th edition of the Nice Classification, South Africa has adopted the […]
February 18 2026
Major South African Anti‑Counterfeiting Operation Targets Illicit Lubricant Manufacturing
Additional Topics: Major Anti‑Counterfeiting Operation Targets Illicit Lubricant Manufacturing (January 2026). Major South African Anti‑Counterfeiting Operation Targets Illicit Lubricant Manufacturing Adams & Adams’ Anti‑Counterfeiting Team, in partnership with the South African Police Service, executed a major raid targeting counterfeit lubricants in early January 2026. The collaboration between Adams & Adams’ Anti‑Counterfeiting Team and specialised SAPS […]
February 18 2026
New Trade Mark Regulations Now in Effect
Important Topics Sierra Leone has introduced modernised trade mark procedures, effective immediately, bringing greater clarity for brand owners. New Trade Mark Regulations Now in Effect Sierra Leone’s Trade Marks Regulations, 2024 officially took effect following their publication as Statutory Instrument No. 19 of 2024, marking a major upgrade to the country’s trade mark system. The new […]
February 18 2026
OAPI Kicks Off 2026 with Strengthened Governance
Important Topics OAPI announces key governance and innovation developments for 2026. OAPI Kicks Off 2026 with Strengthened Governance OAPI closed out 2025 with a series of important developments aimed at strengthening intellectual property protection across its 17 member states. At an expert‑level meeting held in Brazzaville ahead of the Organisation’s 65th Board of Directors session, […]
February 18 2026
Nigeria set to adopt Geographical Indications under NIPPS
Additional Topics: Nigeria is advancing GI protection as a tool for rural growth, cultural preservation, and AfCFTA‑aligned trade. Nigeria set to adopt Geographical Indications under NIPPS NIPPS is paving the way for the country to adopt Geographical Indications (GIs) (a system that protects products whose quality or reputation is tied to their place of origin). […]
February 18 2026
Nigeria Moves from IP Policy Design to Full‑Scale Implementation
Important Topics Nigeria accelerates its IP reform agenda, moving from policy design to full execution. Nigeria Moves from IP Policy Design to Full‑Scale Implementation Nigeria has begun the full rollout of its National Intellectual Property Policy & Strategy (NIPPS), marking a shift from years of policy development to operational implementation. The policy, launched on 10 […]
February 18 2026
BIPA Appoints New Chief Executive Officer
Important Topics BIPA ushers in a new phase of leadership with the appointment of Ms Ainna Vilengi Kaundu as CEO. BIPA Appoints New Chief Executive Officer The Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) of Namibia has announced the appointment of Ms Ainna Vilengi Kaundu as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking the beginning of a […]
February 18 2026
Government Reshuffles COSOMA Board After Just One Month
Important Topics A sudden shake‑up at Malawi’s copyright authority raises questions over procedure. Government Reshuffles COSOMA Board After Just One Month In January 2026, Malawi’s Office of the President and Cabinet unexpectedly reconstituted the Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA) Board, replacing chairperson Eziaus Mkandawire with Bishop Chimwemwe Mhango and removing musician Deborah Ntopa. Outgoing members […]
February 18 2026
Kenya Begins Incubation of AI Innovators Through NIRU
Important Topics Kenya moves to accelerate AI‑driven economic growth through national incubation of innovators. Kenya Begins Incubation of AI Innovators Through NIRU On 19 January 2026, Kenya’s National Intelligence and Research University (NIRU) launched an incubation programme for AI innovators selected from over 2,400 proposals submitted during the 2025 National AI Hackathon. The programme provides […]
February 18 2026
Egyptian Patent Office’s Appointment Extended Under PCT Framework
Egypt retains its role as an International Searching and Preliminary Examining Authority, supporting global patent system efficiency. Important Topics Egyptian Patent Office’s Appointment Extended Under PCT Framework On 19 December 2025, WIPO confirmed the extension of the Egyptian Patent Office’s mandate as an International Searching and Preliminary Examining Authority under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). […]
February 18 2026
ARIPO’s Overhauled Trade Mark System Goes Live on 1 March 2026
Effective 1 March 2026, the revised Banjul Protocol is set to modernises the ARIPO trade mark system. Important Topics ARIPO’s Overhauled Trade Mark System Goes Live on 1 March 2026 The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) has implemented one of its most substantial reforms through the revision of the Banjul Protocol, set to take […]
February 18 2026
Angola accedes to the Marrakesh Treaty
Angola accedes to the Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print disabled. Important Topics Angola accedes to the Marrakesh Treaty On 15 December 2025, the Republic of Angola deposited its instrument of accession to the Marrakesh Treaty. The Treaty will enter into force, with […]
February 18 2026
INAPI Introduces New Industrial Property Fee Schedule for 2026
Algeria has updated its official fees for trade marks, patents and designs. Important Topics INAPI Introduces New Industrial Property Fee Schedule for 2026 Following the promulgation of Algeria’s 2026 Finance Act, the Algerian National Institute of Industrial Property (INAPI) has introduced a revised schedule of official fees covering all industrial property services. The updated tariff, […]
February 18 2026
AfCFTA Accelerates Rollout
Continental: AfCFTA (Morocco) African trade leaders push for faster AfCFTA rollout. Important Topics AfCFTA Accelerates Rollout On 12 January 2026, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat concluded the second edition of its Business Forum in Marrakesh with a renewed call for rapid implementation of the trade agreement amid rising global tariffs. The AfCFTA […]
February 18 2026
Newsflash: draft cannabis regulations released
On 2 February 2026 the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development released an invitation for public comments on the Draft Cannabis Regulations (the Regulations) in respect of the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act 7 of 2024 (the CPPA). The Regulations address a range of matters not covered in detail by the CPPA, including limits on […]
February 16 2026
Rolling Out the Rules: The Draft Cannabis Regulations Are Here
On 2 February 2026, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development published an invitation for public comment on the Draft Cannabis Regulations (the “Regulations”), issued pursuant to section 6 of the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act 7 of 2024 (the “CPPA”). These draft Regulations provide the operational detail for the CPPA. The Headline Figures Let’s […]
February 16 2026