News & Insights
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
SUDAN’S TRADE MARKS OFFICE – UPDATE ON OPERATIONAL STATUS
Following prolonged disruption caused by civil unrest in Sudan, the operations of the Sudanese Trade Marks Office (“TMO”) have been significantly affected over the past two years, resulting in a near-complete standstill in trade mark administration for an extended period. After almost ten months of inactivity, the Registry announced in early February 2024 that it […]
February 16 2026
The Rise of the DIY Patent: How South African Inventors Are Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands
Something remarkable is happening at the South African Patent Office. For years, the number of provisional patent applications filed directly by inventors-without a patent attorney-held steady at around 40 to 50 per month. Then came 2025, and the numbers started climbing. By September 2025, self-filed applications had surged to 153 in a single month. January […]
February 11 2026
When Travel Becomes a Trade Mark
What IShowSpeed’s Africa Tour Teaches Us About Brand Power When global content creator IShowSpeed touched down in Africa, the internet did what it does best; it followed. From packed streets to spontaneous fan encounters, the trip was not just entertainment, it was brand expansion in real time. But beyond the viral clips and cultural moments […]
February 10 2026
Who may challenge an FSCA decision? Practical lessons on locus standi from Banxso case
Can shareholders, directors, or key persons step into the ring when the regulator strikes at a company — or has the Tribunal finally closed that door? A recent decision of the Financial Services Tribunal raises a pointed question for regulated entities and individuals alike: who, in law, is entitled to approach the Tribunal to challenge […]
February 10 2026