INTA in Africa: Our Journey through 2024 and What’s Next for 2025

With 2025 off to a fresh start, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of the milestones and impactful moments that the International Trademark Association (INTA) has had in Africa in 2024.

Looking back, I am extremely proud of some of the strides that we’ve made so far on the continent, and I can’t wait for the numerous opportunities that lie ahead!

Policy Dialogue Events:

?We kick started the year with a Policy Dialogue event in Nairobi, Kenya titled “IP Rights and Indigenous Rights: Between Commercialization and Recognition” where we touched upon the ongoing policy engagement which has for a time been whether Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Expressions should be protected under existing laws of trademarks, certification marks and geographical indications or whether there is a need to develop a sui generis framework. This event was preceded by the submission of INTA’s comments on Kenya’s Draft Regulations for the Protection of Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Expressions Act, 2016 which can be found here. Other critical conversations that followed included a Policy Dialogue to discuss Pharmaceutical Counterfeiting in Africa which was organized in collaboration with South Africa’s CIPC - Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (a member of the dtic Group) , Adams & Adams and Eversheds Sutherland as well as our most recent and last event of the year which was a Policy Dialogue discussing the impact of counterfeiting during the December holidays and the role of law enforcement in building a safe shopping environment.?

These events were critical in advocating for only a fraction of the key IP issues affecting the continent and INTA remains committed to bringing all the relevant stakeholders together to address these challenges, while also supporting the growth and professional development of our members.

?Engagement with Intellectual Property Offices (IPOs) and the Judiciary:

Following INTA’s Board Resolution for the Revision of Guidelines for Trademark Examination, we hosted the first ever Roundtable for various Intellectual Property Offices in Sub-Saharan Africa to discuss the salient features contained in the Guidelines. This Roundtable event included a practical trademark examination exercise which was conducted by the USPTO drawing from actual applications received by the respective offices.

In the month of October, we conducted a Trademark Examiners Training for the Intellectual Property Offices of Zambia ( Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) ), Rwanda ( Rwanda Development Board (RDB) )and Kenya ( KIPI Kenya Industrial Property Institute ) as well as an Intellectual Property Workshop for Judges in the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal in Nigeria. Non-Traditional Marks were the highlight of the trademark examiners training, and the relevant sessions were conducted in collaboration with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) . The IP Workshop for Judges was focused on enhancing the participants’ knowledge on Intellectual Property Rights and providing them with an in-depth understanding of IP enforcement. Both these events took place virtually.

?IP Awareness through Workshops and Webinars:

Among our most rewarding initiatives in 2024 were our events geared towards IP awareness. In November, we hosted a vibrant and impactful workshop for student innovators and a few faculty members at the University of Nairobi . Our aim with the workshop was to provide the students with a clearer understanding of how they can safeguard their innovations and the resources available to help them navigate the IP landscape. Part of the workshop was INTA’s UNREAL Campaign which emphasized the importance of trademarks and the dangers of buying counterfeit goods. We also had the privilege of conducting this Campaign in Kenya’s Riara University and South Africa’s University of Pretoria .

?As part of our 2024 Workplan with OAPI (African Intellectual Property Organization), we hosted a 2-part webinar series on the Registration of Trademarks in the OAPI and the Enforcement of Trademarks in the OAPI in April and September respectively. INTA members, Marius Schneider and Nora Ho Tu Nam (both from IPvocate Africa ) were instrumental in coordinating and moderating these webinars. We also hosted a webinar on IP enforcement and recordation in Kenya in collaboration with the Anti-Counterfeit Authority - Kenya .

?A standout moment for me in 2024 was INTA’s participation in the 48th Session of the ARIPO Administrative Council where we hosted a side event to discuss the role of Intellectual Property Offices in promoting the importance of IP to SMEs. SMEs are the backbone of many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa as they contribute significantly to livelihood opportunities for people in both rural and urban areas. Our participation in this session did not only solidify our engagement with ARIPO but also underscored the Association’s commitment to actively encourage SMEs to fully embrace IP for growth and innovation.

?2024 was truly a whirlwind of activities and events which left me both humbled and inspired. Our sincerest gratitude to all our members, stakeholders, expert speakers, government officials and distinguished guests who contributed significantly to making 2024 memorable.

?As we embark on this new year, I am filled with excitement and optimism about the many possibilities ahead to enhance the knowledge, protection, enforcement and respect of IP in Sub-Saharan Africa. Our focus will be on strengthening our engagement with IPOs and various Judiciaries through knowledge sharing sessions, monitoring and providing assistance in the development of National IP Policies and Strategies, promoting IP as a tool for economic diversification and industrial growth in Africa as well as organizing critical dialogues such as the use of IP as collateral in financing in Sub-Saharan Africa and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in the settlement of IP disputes.

Building on the momentum that we gained in 2024, we are committed to continue doing the work with the support of our wonderful members from around the globe and all stakeholders in the IP space!

Happy New Year and best wishes for 2025!

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