ARIPO three-day conference on the enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights in Africa

On 3 – 5 May a three-day conference was held by the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) in partnership with the Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation in Africa (AfrIPI), the Government of the Republic of Namibia, represented by the Business Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) and the United States Department of Justice (USDOJ).

The event was aimed at addressing the role that courts play in enforcing IP rights across the continent. During the event, Justice Minister Yvonne Dausab of Namibia emphasised that IP has become a key source contributor to the economic growth and development in Africa and as a result, the protection thereof is of great importance. Additionally, that effective IP protection would incentivise IP creatives and attract domestic and foreign investors to invest in research and development projects.

Justice Dausab also touched on a concern that the enforcement of IP rights in Africa is not at the level that it should be. This led to her emphasising the key role that judges play in enforcing IP rights and called for an increased cooperation among the different stakeholders to ensure effective IP protection and enforcement in Africa.

Dausab calls for enforcement of intellectual property rights – The Namibian