MALAWI TAKES THE LEAD IN RATIFYING WIPO TREATY ON IP
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 also states that the indigenous people or communities providing traditional knowledge be disclosed. This Treaty aims to protect indigenous knowledge and ensure fair use of genetic resources in scientific research and patent development. It will enter into force once 15 countries, of the 38 that have signed the Treat so far,have ratified it.
This marks an important milestone as Malawi is the first country to ratify this Treaty.
Tanzania Strengthens IP Protection Through Legislative Reforms
Tanzania has introduced significant reforms to its IP regime through the enactment of the Written Laws (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act, 2026 (the “2026 Amendments”), which received Presiden...
October 20 2026
Rwanda Overhauls IP Procedures and Fees: Key Changes Effective 13 October 2026
Rwanda’s new Ministerial Order No. 001/MINICOM/26 came into effect on 13 October 2026, introducing a number of important changes to the country’s intellectual property regime. The Order es...
October 20 2026
Legal Update | Fair Competition Commission (FCC), Tanzania
Tanzania FCC clarifies its position regarding the use of foreign trade mark certificates in support of the Mandatory recordation: 28 July 2026 | Fair Competition Commission (FCC), Tanzania. The Fair C...
October 02 2026