News & Insights
Malawi Parliament passes 2 key IP Bills
On 1 April 2025, the Malawi Parliament passed the following Bills: Bill No. 1 of 2025: Companies, Registrations, and Intellectual Properties Centre; and Bill No. 2 of 2025: Copyright (Amendment). The introduction of the above Bills reflects Malawi’s efforts to bring its IP legislation in line with international standards underpinned by the Malawi Intellectual Property […]
May 14 2025
Heritage Hub unveiled by Copyright Society of Malawi
The Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA), making use of the Copyright Fund, constructed a heritage hub in order to highlight and preserve cultural heritage and practices in Kwenje Village, Dowa, Malawi. The launch of the heritage hub has been well-received by local traditional leaders and will serve as a venue for various cultural events and […]
May 14 2025
Intellectual Property heralded as part of the national agenda in Liberia
Ahead of World Intellectual Property Day, the Liberian government hosted a National Intellectual Property Conference to reinforce its commitment to explore the role of intellectual property in achieving the country’s national development goals. Specifically, the office of the President expressed that the President wishes to host a National Intellectual Property Summit to engage in discussion […]
May 14 2025
Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) joins EUIPO’s digital database
In February 2024, the Togolese Institute for Intellectual Property and Technology (INPIT) launched a competition for a visual rebrand. The national competition was open to designers to submit a proposed new logo. The Ministry of Industry and Investment Promotion supported this competition in order to modernise INPIT’s image. On 30 April 2025, INPIT’s new logo […]
May 14 2025
Visual rebrand for the Togolese Institute for Intellectual Property and Technology
In February 2024, the Togolese Institute for Intellectual Property and Technology (INPIT) launched a competition for a visual rebrand. The national competition was open to designers to submit a proposed new logo. The Ministry of Industry and Investment Promotion supported this competition in order to modernise INPIT’s image. On 30 April 2025, INPIT’s new logo […]
May 14 2025
AfCFTA’s Committee on Intellectual Property Rights negotiations begin
The African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat convened in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, during 7 to 18 April 2025. The purpose of the 5th and 6th meetings of the Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (CIPR) was to initiate negotiations on the draft Annexes relating to Intellectual Property Rights. The aim of the draft Annexes is to drive […]
May 14 2025
Malawian delegation visits ARIPO office
On 15 April 2025, a distinguished delegation of Malawian officials visited ARIPO’s office in Harare, Zimbabwe. This visit marked Malawi’s commitment towards advancing intellectual property rights protection in Malawi. The engagements largely surrounded the 2 bills passed by the Malawian parliament, which centres around a new IP office as a semi-autonomous government agency. The Director […]
May 14 2025
Directorate of Copyright and Neighbouring Rights established in Uganda
The celebration of World Intellectual Property Day in Uganda also marked the official establishment of the Directorate of Copyright and Neighbouring Rights, situated at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB). The theme of World Intellectual Property Day, 2025 was “IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IP”. This theme closely aligns with the goals of […]
May 14 2025
Summary of Aspen v Adcock [2025] 017055-25
The case of Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Group & Pharmacare Limited v Adcock Ingram Healthcare (Pty) Ltd & Adcock Ingram Intellectual (Pty) Ltd, was recently heard in the High Court and judgment was delivered on 12 May 2025. Both Aspen and Adcock are prominent pharmaceutical groups in South Africa, each with a holding company and subsidiaries […]
May 13 2025
Prescription and Constructive Knowledge: Key Principles from a Recent Supreme Court of Appeal Decision
Introduction A recent judgment from the Supreme Court of Appeal has provided important clarification on the application of prescription in the context of misappropriation of funds within a close corporation. The case revolved around whether a debt owed to a close corporation had prescribed, particularly in circumstances where one member was alleged to have misappropriated […]
May 06 2025
Africa's Hidden Treasures: The WIPO Treaty Revolution
The African continent boasts a wealth of biodiversity and is a treasure trove of genetic resources and traditional knowledge. These valuable assets have long been a source of innovation and inspiration, but their protection has presented challenges, especially in the realm of intellectual property. Enter the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated […]
May 06 2025
Preserving the Status Quo in Pension Fund Disputes: Insights from Cadac Pension Fund and Others v Nash and Others
Introduction The recent High Court judgement in Cadac Pension Fund and Others v Nash and Others (Gauteng Division, Johannesburg, 16 April 2025) offers important guidance on the role of interim interdicts in pension fund disputes — particularly where issues of curatorship, member entitlements, and alleged fund mismanagement are concerned. The case deals with a pension […]
May 02 2025
Internal Restructuring: Insights into the Competition Commission's Latest Guidelines
On 4 April 2025, the Competition Commission of South Africa (“the Commission”) published its final Guidelines on Internal Restructuring. These Guidelines clarify how the Commission will determine whether a transaction is an ‘internal restructuring’ transaction, and outline scenarios where such a restructuring could trigger merger notification and approval requirements prior to implementation of the transaction. […]
April 23 2025
RAF Litigation: The Prolonged Delay on General Damages – What’s Causing It, and How Do We Fix It?
Overview: The current assessment process for general damages in the Road Accident Fund (RAF) is facing significant challenges due to delayed and inconsistent claims assessments. These challenges have led to many cases being postponed indefinitely, often due to the RAF’s failure to participate in trial proceedings, delayed decisions on the seriousness of injuries, and the […]
April 17 2025
OAPI Participates in the Sixth Session of the Working Group on the Lisbon System
Strengthening the international legal framework for these safeguards was the main goal of the sixth session of the Working Group on the Legal Development of the Lisbon System, which was held at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland between 17 to 20 March 2025. The Lisbon System provides international protection for […]
April 16 2025
Joinder of Third Party in Slip and Fall Case: A Legal Analysis
Introduction In legal proceedings, the joinder of a third party can be a critical aspect, especially in cases where multiple parties may share liability. This article delves into the intricacies of a recent judgement concerning the joinder of a third party in a slip and fall case. The focus is on the legal principles and […]
April 16 2025
Uganda Introduces New ICT IP Guidelines
The guidelines, which were created with help from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and regional partners, aim to empower Ugandan innovators by offering a detailed structure for the management and commercialization of their intellectual property were [aptly] published on [Valentine’s Day] 14 February 2025. The guidelines focus on the registration of unique software and […]
April 15 2025
Uganda Hosts Workshop on Improving Management of Digital Rights
This two-day URSB workshop focused on improving the management of digital rights. International best practices for digital rights management were discussed in sessions led by WIPO and ARIPO specialists, and panel discussions focused on the use of digital platforms for efficient collective rights management. The workshop also included an analysis of Uganda’s current legal frameworks, […]
April 15 2025