IIPLA News

ECOWAS Endorses ECO Currency Introduction, Denounces Terrorism and Xenophobia

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) affirms support for the ECO currency launch while condemning terrorism and xenophobic acts within the region.

ECOWAS has publicly backed the upcoming launch of the ECO currency, a significant step toward regional economic integration. Concurrently, the organization has issued strong condemnations against terrorism and xenophobia, emphasizing the need for peace and unity among member states.

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…

STL Secures Final Victory at EPO, Revokes Fujikura’s European Patent in Optical Connectivity Dispute

European Patent Office’s Technical Board of Appeal issues binding ruling favoring STL, reinforcing its IP dominance in AI-driven digital infrastructure markets

STL has won a decisive patent dispute against Fujikura Ltd. after the European Patent Office’s Technical Board of Appeal revoked Fujikura’s European Patent EP 3796060 in full. The ruling, issued on June 24, 2026, settles the UK patent conflict in STL’s favor and strengthens its intellectual property position across Eu…

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…

Africa Litigation Update Puts AfCFTA Chief Honoured and Advancing Africa Strategy in Focus

Practical litigation context for IP teams tracking Litigation, AfCFTA Chief Honoured, Advancing Africa.

IIPLA reviews the litigation implications of Litigation, AfCFTA Chief Honoured, Advancing Africa, with practical notes for Africa IP teams monitoring risk, enforcement, licensing, and portfolio strategy.

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.

Mombasa Journalists Trained on AI Risks, IP Rights, and Mental Health Amid Political Misinformation Surge

Two-day workshop equips Kenyan journalists with tools to combat AI-driven misinformation, understand intellectual property laws, and manage newsroom mental health challenges

In response to rising concerns over AI-generated misinformation during Kenya's politically charged period, a training programme in Mombasa County guided journalists through intellectual property rights, data protection, and mental health strategies. Legal experts emphasized the importance of verifying AI-created conte…

Kenyan Journalists Advised to Strengthen IP Protection, Mental Health, and AI Ethics Amid Digital Shift

Media professionals in Mombasa convene to address intellectual property rights, psychological resilience, and responsible AI use ahead of elections

At a recent training in Mombasa, Kenyan journalists and content creators were urged to enhance their understanding of intellectual property laws, prioritize mental well-being, and navigate the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence. The Hadithi za Wanahabari workshop, hosted by Baraza Media Lab and MMS Ad…

Roland Berger Marks Two Decades in Middle East Amid Record-Breaking Global Revenue

European Strategy Firm Strengthens Regional Presence Following €1 Billion Revenue Milestone

Roland Berger, the European-rooted strategy consultancy, has reaffirmed its commitment to the Middle East as it celebrates 20 years in the region. The firm reported its strongest financial year ever, surpassing €1 billion in global revenues for the first time since its 1967 founding. With offices across Bahrain, UAE,…

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…

Kenya Broadens Legal Interpretation of Royalties in Licensing Agreements

Recent developments in Kenyan law reflect an expanded scope of what constitutes royalties, impacting licensing and taxation frameworks.

Kenya is witnessing a significant shift in the legal understanding of royalties, with authorities and courts adopting a broader definition. This evolution affects how royalties are classified for licensing and tax purposes, influencing businesses engaged in intellectual property transactions within the country.

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…