Malawi

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 […]

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 […]

Two executive-legislative bills have been gazetted for debate in Parliament during the current sitting. The bills focus on reforms to company and copyright laws. The Companies, Registrations, and Intellectual Property Centre Bill, 2025 proposes the establishment of a semi-autonomous body responsible for company registrations, intellectual property rights and related functions. The new entity will assume […]

On December 5, 2024, Malawi ratified the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge (“Treaty”) which was adopted in May 2024. The Treaty, which addresses the connection between IP, genetic resources, and traditional knowledge, requires applicants to disclose the country of origin or source of genetic resources used in inventions. It […]

The Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA) has requested creative industry proposals for access to its Cultural Fund. The Cultural Fund was recently launched by Michael Usi, the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Wildlife following the phasing out of the Cultural Support Scheme. The aim of the fund is to assist urban and rural creatives to […]

The Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA) has taken advantage of Section 98 of the Copyright Act of 2016 and has established the Copyright Fund after the expiry of the Cultural Support Scheme, which was previously administered by COSOMA on behalf of the Royal Norwegian Embassy. The main objectives of the Copyright Fund include the enforcement […]

The Launch of the National Intellectual Property Policy Malawi launched the National Intellectual Property Policy in May 2019. The Policy forms part of the government’s Growth and Development Strategy III, which has identified industrialisation and the structural transformation of the economy as a key priority area, essential to maintaining long-term growth and economic development. The […]