ZIMBABWE – Cabinet approves establishment of Deeds, Companies and IP Authority

Cabinet ministers of the Zimbabwean government considered and approved the establishment of a Deeds, Companies, and Intellectual Property Authority of 6^th June 2023, which is to be a semi-autonomous entity.

Previously, in October 2022, the Cabinet had approved principles that sought to separate the Company and Intellectual Property section from the Department of Deeds.

Cabinet ministers have now, however, approved a variation of the principles in terms of which the Deeds, Companies and Intellectual Property sections are instead to be merged, with there being one Chief Registrar in charge of the three sections.

It is said that the new entity will inter alia be responsible for the registration and administration of corporate entities and IP rights. It is also reported that, with the establishment of the entity, IP legislation, including, patent, designs, copyright and trade mark legislation, will be amended. While the change is expected to improve efficiency in the administration of the latter, it is not yet clear when the new entity will be formed or will commence operating.

Cabinet approves Deeds, Companies and IP Authority establishment – NewZimbabwe.com; Government restructures Deeds, Companies and IP department – Bulls n Bears (bullszimbabwe.com)