US Delists Nigeria From Piracy Blacklist
The Vanguard newspaper reported on 23 May 2007 that Nigeria’s initiatives to protect IP rights and reduce copyright infringement resulted in the United States Government removing Nigeria from its Special 301 Lists of countries blacklisted for condoning the rising incidence of IP infringements. Mr Tony Fernandez, the Deputy Economic Consular at the United States Embassy in Abuja, stated that Nigeria deserved commendation for having made considerable efforts in addressing the piracy and counterfeiting of IP in the country. The United States has, furthermore, pledged its support for Nigeria’s regulatory and enforcement measures on IP matters and urged Nigeria to step-up its anti-piracy operations.
Trade Marks Journal
The Nigerian Trade Marks Registry has advised that a Trade Marks Journal will be published shortly.
Nigeria Appoints A New Registrar
Hajiya. J.K. Ahmadu-Suka has been appointed as the new registrar of Trademarks, Patent and Designs. The new Registrar took over from Mr. E. C. Egbuonu, the immediate past registrar. Speaking at the Intellectual Property Law Association of Nigeria (IPLAN) meeting held on June 19th, 2007, the new registrar stated that efforts are being made to computerise all files kept in the Registry’s records.
Nigerian Service Marks – Update
As reported in our previous newsletter, the Regulations relating to service marks in Nigeria is awaiting publication in the Federal Gazette. This has been confirmed by the Registrar of Trade marks, Patent and Design.
National Agency of Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has called on the Infant Food Manufacturing companies to adhere strictly to the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (BMS) warning that defaulters will be adequately sanctioned. Speaking at a one-day sensitisation workshop in Kaduna recently on BMS, the Director-General of NAFDAC Prof. Dora Akunyili stated that the International Code of Marketing of BMS was adopted in May 1981 by World Health (WHA) Resolution No.34.22 both of which are aimed at regulating the marketing of all products used as replacements for breast milk.
About the 17th of June, 2007, NAFDAC embarked on a three-day ‘mop-up’ of a community in Gombe state and urged traders in the state to retrieve fake products from the market. The Chairman of Gombe Traders Association, Alhaji Mohammed Annuri stated that the association has evolved a system in which the members voluntarily surrender fake, expired or banned products to NAFDAC.
Global Anti-Counterfeiting Group (GACG) Awards
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigeria was awarded the winner in the Public organisation category at the 9th Annual Global Anti-Counterfeiting Group Awards held in Paris, France on 26th June, 2007. To date, the agency has carried out a total of 60 destruction exercises valued at over 20 Billion Naira (US$770 million) and has placed about 3,760 metric tonnes of regulated products on “hold”. The Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (ACC), Nigeria congratulates NAFDAC who has been supporting ACC by regular attendance of its monthly meetings and contribution towards the fight against fakes. Other award winners included Nokia IPR Brand Protection, Global Anti-Counterfeiting Team and Brand Protection Group – Lebanon.
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