Nicky Garnett

Final Whistle – AFCON

What a dramatic end to the 2025 AFCON tournament! Senegal secured its second AFCON title and one of its anchor players, Sadio Mané  won the best player of the tournament award. As an African law firm, we celebrate with all participating teams and extend our congratulations to Senegal. With the tournament now concluded, this marks […]

Adams NewsFIRM NEWSJanice GalvadNicky GarnettNthabisheng PhaswanaSimon BrownWilhelm Prozesky

FOOTBALL AND IP IN AFRICA

The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament is currently underway in Morocco showcasing soccer talents and competitiveness of 24 African countries. This 35th edition of the tournament has proceeded to knockout stage wherein 16 teams advanced to “Round of 16” knockout stage.  Whilst these teams continue their quest to be crowned the African champions, we […]

Janice GalvadMoroccoNicky GarnettNthabisheng PhaswanaSimon BrownSouth AfricaSudanTanzaniaTunisiaWilhelm Prozesky

Strengthening African Intellectual Property Resources: Collaboration and a Shared Vision for the Future

While virtual interactions are invaluable for teams working across a continent, it cannot replace the value that in-person engagements deliver, with the opportunities to establish and deepen personal and professional relationships. There is something special about moments that bring together people from different corners of a continent to share not only their expertise, but also […]

Adams NewsFIRM NEWSNicky GarnettSimon Brown

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 […]

Intellectual PropertyJoanne van HarmelenMarilé FouchéNicky GarnettPatents

OAPI – New Official Fees for Patents and Utility Models

As part of the implementation of Annex I of the revised Bangui Agreement, OAPI has published new official fees which apply to all patent and utility model applications fled after 1 January 2025. This development follows previous updates OAPI – Training of patent examiners – Adams & Adams announcing OAPI’s intention to introduce substantive examination […]

Adams NewsNicky GarnettNthabisheng PhaswanaOAPI

Navigating IP rights for business success in Africa

Blurb: Africa offers vast potential for businesses that have the right IP strategy to overcome the continent’s complexities. Africa is a continent of growth and opportunity, with the African Development Bank forecasting a steady increase in the continent’s gross domestic product (GDP) from 3.8% in 2024 to 4.2% in 2025, higher than projected averages for […]

Alicia van der WaltIntellectual PropertyNicky Garnett

KENYA – Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) Mandatory Recordal System – Implementation Deadline of 1st January 2023 looming

Adams & Adams Partner and Head of our Anti-Counterfeiting Department, Godfrey Budeli, recently met with Dr Robi Mbugua Njoroge, the current CEO of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), together with the ACA Management, Legal and Compliance, Investigations and Recordation teams at the ACA’s Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Discussions focused on the ACA’s readiness with the impending […]

Africa Ip updatesGodfrey BudeliKenyaNicky GarnettNthabisheng Phaswana

REPUBLIC OF CAPE VERDE BECOMES 22nd ARIPO MEMBER STATE

After signaling its intention earlier this year to join ARIPO, the Republic of Cape Verde deposited its instruments of accession to ARIPO. The Minister of Energy, Trade and Industry, Hon. Alexandre Monteiro, presented the instruments of accession to the Director General of ARIPO, Mr Bemanya Twebaze at a ceremony held at the Embassy of Cape […]

ARIPOCape VerdeIntellectual PropertyMariëtte du PlessisNicky GarnettNthabisheng PhaswanaOur Network NewsSimon Brown