Introduction – Intellectual Property Newsletter – Volume 3 2022
We bring you our third quarter Intellectual Property Newsletter, Volume 3, 2022.
Activities at the Regulatory Agencies
The Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) held a three-day stakeholders’ validation workshop on September 13 to 15, 2022, to review the draft National Intellectual Property (IP) Policy and Strategy. The aim of the workshop was to consolidate stakeholder’s views on the draft IP Policy & Strategy in order to promote a comprehensive and conducive IP ecosystem as a catalyst for harnessing the full potential of IP for socio-cultural development and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.
On September 7, 2022, the Registrar of Trade Marks, Dr. Adamu Yauri held a consultative meeting with the officials of the Trade Marks Registry and stakeholders. The Registrar addressed concerns surrounding the optimization of the activities at the Registry to improve work efficiency and productivity. He assured stakeholders that structures have been put in place at the Registry to enhance service delivery and promote the continued collaboration with stakeholders.
The Patents & Designs Registry in collaboration with the WIPO held a two-day workshop on August 24-25, 2022, to train officials of the Registry on the importance of technology and innovation in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) issued a public notice stating that with effect from October 1, 2022, the NCC will discontinue the issuance of paper-based certificates and commence issuance of e-certificates. This development is largely predicated on the current rapid digital/technological change that is taking over the business world and to improve service delivery.
The Nigerian House of Representatives in concurrence with the Senate recently passed the Bill for an Act to Repeal the Copyright Act, Cap C28 LFN, 2004 and Enact the Copyright Act to provide for the Regulation, Protection and Administration of Copyright. The Bill which has several novel provisions suitable for the internet age is currently awaiting assent from the President, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR.
The IP subcommittee of the Enlarged National Focal Point for the AfCFTA IP Protocol held an interactive session in July 2022, to discuss issues surrounding the development of IP Policies for Nigeria as well as the IP Protocol of AfCFTA and its challenges. The session highlighted the need for Nigeria to join either the African Regional Intellectual Property Office (ARIPO), the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) or to establish a Pan African Intellectual Property Organization (PAIPO) including signing up as a party to the Madrid Protocol.
On August 19, 2022, the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye issued a press briefing on the illicit use of an intoxicant popularly called “Kurkura” gargle, herbal aphrodisiacs, and alcoholic bitters in the country, which are harmful to the body organs due to high concentration of tobacco and cannabis. She reiterated that offenders will be prosecuted and advised consumers to be watchful of the drugs and food they purchase. She further encouraged consumers to report any suspicious activities within their environment to the nearest NAFDAC office.
Intellectual Property Newsletter – Volume 3 2022
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