Dausab calls for enforcement of intellectual property rights

Justice minister Yvonne Dausab highlighted the importance of enforcing intellectual property (IP) rights in Africa during the opening of the Judges Colloquium at Swakopmund on Wednesday.

The event is aimed to address the role of courts in enforcing IP rights across the continent.

Dausab acknowledged that IP was not a well-known concept in Africa 30 years ago but has now become a modern contributor to economic growth and development, particularly in the digital economy.

She emphasised that effective IP protection incentivises innovators and attracts domestic and foreign investors to invest in research and development.

“Intellectual property as a modern contributor to economic growth and development in Africa, has become a powerful commodity and digital currency, particularly for the digital economy which we are operating in today; hence the protection of IP rights is key to promoting innovation,” said Dausab.

However, the enforcement of IP rights in Africa has been weak, resulting in lost revenue, reduced innovation, and increased economic vulnerability. Many African countries, including Namibia, face challenges such as limited budgets, lack of expertise, corruption, and weak rule of law, which hinder IP enforcement efforts.

Dausab stressed the critical role that judges play in enforcing IP rights, recognising the complexities and challenges that come with IP cases.

“A robust IP regime attracts foreign investment, creates job opportunities, and stimulates economic growth for our country and the African continent at large. It is, therefore, imperative to ensure that our judiciaries are well-equipped and empowered to handle the increasingly complex and evolving IP landscape,” she noted.

By fostering a culture of respect for IP rights and promoting awareness of the benefits of innovation, countries like Namibia and other African nations can attract foreign investment, create job opportunities, and stimulate economic growth. Dausab called for increased collaboration among stakeholders to ensure effective IP protection and enforcement, contributing to a conducive business environment that drives innovation and investment.

The three-day colloquium is being hosted by the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (Aripo) and the Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation in Africa (AfrIPI) in partnership with Namibia’s Business Intellectual Property Authority and the United States Department of Justice Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development Assistance and Training International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property Africa Programme.

It brings together judges and lawyers that handle IP matters and will create a network of judges that will continue the exchange of cases and developments in IP matters in the region. The event will also provide an opportunity for judges to discuss the importance of IP case law, which is key in informing IP holders and users on the enforceability of the IP rights granted or registered by Aripo.

“Through this Judges Colloquium, AfrIPI aims to support efforts by the judiciary to strengthen IP jurisprudence in Africa. This is critical for improved intra-African trade and to promote trade between Africa and Europe,” said Aida Galindo, project leader for AfrIPI.