Intellectual Property and Technical Cooperation in Africa: Law, Policy and Path

A high-Level Conference in the Framework of the Research Council of Finland project “Technical Assistance as an Enabler of the Constitutionalizing of Intellectual Property Norms in Africa” (TACIP 2022—2027)

Intellectual Property Technical Assistance may not be a new concept, but it gained prominence in the post-World War II era when many former colonies achieved independence. The United International Bureaux for the Protection of Intellectual Property (BIRPI), the predecessor of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), was tasked with providing technical assistance to the newly independent states of the Global South. This initiative aimed to integrate these states into the international intellectual property system and promote their economic development. From its inception, WIPO was mandated to continue offering technical assistance.

In Africa, WIPO played a crucial role in establishing two major regional intellectual property organizations: the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO). Today, both OAPI and ARIPO have evolved into self-sufficient, autonomous organizations that offer a wide range of services to their clients and member states in the field of intellectual property. It appears that the goal of integrating African countries into the international intellectual property system is being realized. However, the pressing question remains: has the technical cooperation from WIPO and the introduction of modern intellectual property laws and services led to significant economic development in African countries?

This two-day high-level conference will gather prominent intellectual property scholars, an Assistant Director General and a Director from WIPO, and the Directors General of OAPI and ARIPO, along with other regional and national stakeholders from Africa, to deliberate on the conference theme.

Students: Students may earn 2 ECTS by submitting a two-page learning diary reflecting on their conference insights and applications. Instructions will be sent by email before the event. Participants from other universities outside UTU (or from faculties) are advised to consult their study advisers in advance to arrange credit recognition. Students can register here: https://link.webropolsurveys.com/S/E0CB54A9EF47C432