IIPLA News

Nigeria Advances SME Innovation Through New SMEDAN-WIPO Intellectual Property Partnership

Federal Government collaborates with WIPO to enhance IP protection access for Nigerian micro, small, and medium enterprises

Nigeria’s Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) via SMEDAN, aiming to empower SMEs by facilitating intellectual property protection. This initiative seeks to transform Nigerian businesses’ ideas and innovations into commercial assets, foste…

Navigating Tax Implications of Cross-Border Intellectual Property Transfers in Africa

Businesses face increasing tax scrutiny on IP transactions across African borders amid evolving local regulations

As African jurisdictions tighten tax rules on cross-border intellectual property (IP) transactions, companies must carefully consider local substance requirements, specific IP tax regimes, and anti-avoidance measures. Key examples include Mauritius’ substance rules, Kenya’s Significant Economic Presence (SEP) tax on I…

Ghana Pioneers Accelerated Patent Grant Agreement with United States, Leading Africa's IP Advancement

In a landmark move, Ghana becomes the first African nation to enter an accelerated patent examination partnership with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, aiming to streamline i…

Ghana has officially signed an accelerated patent grant agreement with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), marking a historic first for any African country. This collaboration is designed to expedite the patent examination process for Ghanaian inventors seeking protection in the U.S., enhancing the…

Gambia’s TISC Lead Urges Businesses and Startups to Prioritize Intellectual Property Protection to Boost National Investment

At a regional meeting hosted by WIPO and ARIPO, Gambian IP focal person highlights the critical role of IP rights in fostering innovation, competitiveness, and economic growth

During a regional forum supported by the World Intellectual Property Organization and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization, The Gambia’s Technology and Innovation Support Centre (TISC) focal person, Mr. Colley, emphasized the importance of integrating intellectual property protection into business s…

Ghana Leads Africa by Signing Accelerated Patent Grant Agreement to Expedite Patent Approvals

Ghana becomes the first African country to join the Accelerated Patent Grant Agreement, aiming to streamline patent examination and approval processes

Ghana has become the first African nation to sign the Accelerated Patent Grant Agreement, a move designed to facilitate faster patent approvals. This agreement is expected to enhance the efficiency of patent processing in Ghana, promoting innovation and protecting intellectual property rights more effectively.

Africa Patents Update Puts Quarterly IP Newsletter May and June Strategy in Focus

IIPLA reviews the patents implications of Patents, Quarterly IP Newsletter May, June, with practical notes for Africa IP teams monitoring risk, enforcement, licensing, and portfolio strategy.

Nigeria’s Intellectual Property Securitisation Framework Poised to Unlock Billions in Creative Sector Financing

Proposed legal reforms aim to transform intangible assets into bankable collateral, boosting innovation and economic growth in Nigeria’s knowledge economy

Nigeria’s creative and technology industries have long struggled to convert intellectual property into capital due to lenders’ demand for physical collateral. The proposed Intellectual Property Securitisation Framework seeks to recognize copyrights, patents, trademarks, and licensing revenues as valuable assets for fi…

Yiwu's Manufacturing Shift: Leveraging Intellectual Property to Dominate World Cup Merchandise Exports

Chinese city Yiwu transforms from a manufacturing hub into a global leader in World Cup fan merchandise through innovation and IP-driven strategies.

Yiwu, China’s manufacturing powerhouse, has evolved beyond traditional contract manufacturing to become a key global supplier of World Cup-related products. Fueled by a strategic embrace of intellectual property rights and rapid supply chain capabilities, Yiwu merchants are now shaping global football merchandise mark…

Middle East Patents Update Puts S.W.A.T. Exiles and Sony Pictures Television Strategy in Fo…

Practical patents context for IP teams tracking Patents, S.W.A.T. Exiles, Sony Pictures Television.

IIPLA reviews the patents implications of Patents, S.W.A.T. Exiles, Sony Pictures Television, with practical notes for Middle East IP teams monitoring risk, enforcement, licensing, and portfolio strategy.

Africa Patents Update Puts South African and POLB Strategy in Focus

Practical patents context for IP teams tracking Patents, South African, POLB.

IIPLA reviews the patents implications of Patents, South African, POLB, with practical notes for Africa IP teams monitoring risk, enforcement, licensing, and portfolio strategy.

Liberian Students Crowned Champions at Regional African Intellectual Property Competition in Zimbabwe

President Boakai Commends Maretha International Preparatory High School Students for Advancing IP Awareness and Innovation

The Intellectual Property Club of Maretha International Preparatory High School secured first place at the Regional Intellectual Property Club Competition held in Harare, Zimbabwe. President Boakai honored the students for their exemplary performance, highlighting the alignment with national development goals focused…

Ownership Lessons for African Innovators: Insights from the 'Please Call Me' Intellectual Property Dispute

The landmark case of Nkosana Makate and Vodacom underscores the critical importance of understanding intellectual property rights for young African entrepreneurs and innovators.

The prolonged legal battle over the 'Please Call Me' concept highlights a vital lesson for Africa’s emerging innovators: knowing what you own is essential to securing recognition and economic value. As the continent’s youth drive innovation across sectors, protecting intellectual property must become a foundational bu…

African Creators Struggle to Capitalize on Afrobeats’ Global Success Amid Structural IP Challenges

Industry leaders call for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s intellectual property frameworks and local investment to ensure creators retain economic benefits from Afrobeats’ worldwide p…

Despite Afrobeats’ rise as a dominant global music genre, African creators, particularly in Nigeria, are not fully benefiting financially due to weak intellectual property systems and foreign ownership models. At the BusinessDay Creative Entertainment Summit 2026, experts emphasized the need for formalized IP registra…

African Experts Warn of Urgent Need for AI Laws to Safeguard Cultural and Intellectual Property

University of Johannesburg leaders highlight risks of AI-driven cultural misappropriation and call for continent-wide legal frameworks

Letlhokwa Mpedi and Thebe Ikalafeng emphasize Africa's vulnerability to AI-enabled cultural extraction due to lack of protective laws. They advocate for AI-specific intellectual property rights and collective regulatory action under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement to preserve indigenous knowledge and crea…

Morocco Tops Africa’s Industrial Rankings in 2026 Amid Ambitions for Economic Sovereignty

Morocco leads continent in industrial performance and innovation, driven by automotive, aerospace, and phosphate sectors, while addressing structural challenges

In 2026, Morocco has claimed the highest industrial performance ranking in Africa, surpassing South Africa and Egypt. The kingdom’s industrial exports now constitute 87% of total national exports, reflecting a successful diversification strategy. Morocco also advanced nine places in the Global Innovation Index, mainta…

WIPO Unveils Nigeria-Specific Intellectual Property Benchbook to Enhance Judicial Adjudication

The new WIPO publication, developed with Nigeria’s National Judicial Institute, aims to bolster IP dispute resolution amid the country’s booming creative and tech sectors.

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has launched an Intellectual Property Benchbook tailored for Nigeria’s judiciary, marking the first Sub-Saharan African national contribution to WIPO’s Global IP Benchbook Series. Created in partnership with Nigeria’s National Judicial Institute, the Benchbook provid…

Ghanaian Deputy Trade Minister Calls for Enhanced IP Protection in Creative and Manufacturing Sectors

Workshop in Accra highlights critical need for intellectual property awareness amid Africa’s rising fashion and textile industry

Deputy Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, emphasized strengthening intellectual property (IP) legal frameworks and institutional awareness in Ghana’s creative and manufacturing sectors during a workshop organized by Fashion Forum Africa. The event, a precursor to the Alternative Fashion Fabric…

Adams & Adams Reports Rising Demand for Intellectual Property Protection Amid Africa’s Digital and Commercial Growth

South African IP firm highlights increased prioritization of trademarks, patents, copyrights, and design rights as businesses expand digitally and regionally

As South African companies accelerate digital innovation and regional trade, Adams & Adams observes a significant surge in demand for intellectual property protection. The firm notes that IP assets are now central to business value and growth, with trademarks and patents becoming critical for companies entering compet…