Africa Update: INTA Steps Up Activities on the Continent

INTA hosted a workshop for trademark examiners and legal officers in June at the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI). This was the Association’s first training with KIPI, and covered topics such as trademark protection related to virtual goods and NFTs (non-fungible tokens), bad-faith filings, a comparative analysis of the recordal system, and quality trademark operations. The training also covered the place of local language/vernacular in trademark registration, delving into the nexus between indigenous rights and trademarks, specifically focusing on goods in Class 25 (clothing, footwear, and headgear).

INTA hosted a training workshop for trademark examiners at the Companies and Intellectual Property Office of Zimbabwe (CIPZ) in Harare, Zimbabwe, in October. Moderated by INTA Global Advisory Council for Africa member Brenda Matanga (BMatanga IP Attorneys, Zimbabwe), the two-day training involved an overview of trademark registration procedures and principles of trademark examination. Participants engaged in practical examination exercises and had the opportunity to review these exercises under the guidance of the Principal Trademark Examiner. The training also involved discussions on various trademark procedures, including the conduct of oppositions and hearings, the tribunal process, administration of judgments, and post–trademark registration processes.

Following up on commitments made on the margins of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Assemblies in July, plans are currently underway to conduct a training for Tanzania’s Business Registration and Licensing Agency and the Fair Competition Commission before the end of 2023. The training will focus on the substantive examination of trademarks, intellectual property disputes, handling counterfeit claims, and resolution of counterfeit disputes.

From an industry perspective, engaging with examiners and enforcement officials through these trainings is a very beneficial and critical component of the Association’s advocacy work. It is one of the many forms of engagement through which INTA advocates for harmonization in the implementation of trademark and related rights for the benefit of brand owners.

At an event marking the 61st anniversary of the Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle (OAPI), INTA member Guillaume Gomis (Gomis & Lacker Law Firm, France) participated in the OAPI Trademark Awards in the city of Lomé, Togo, in mid-September. Mr. Gomis gave a lecture at the University of Lomé themed “Intellectual Property, Competitiveness Challenges for Companies.” The lecture emphasized the strong link that exists between an invention and trademarks and how trademarks are important to develop an invention’s market share. In addition, OAPI also organized a training workshop titled “Trademarks as a Tool for Conquering the Community Market,” during which Mr. Gomis led a workshop titled “Winning Market Share by Exploiting Trademarks in the Digital Environment.” During the presentation, he explained how trademark owners could use their trademarks and evolve their trademark filings for their new online activities. INTA’s participation in the awards was part of the INTA OAPI 2023 Work Plan.

INTA was invited to participate in a workshop focused on the fundamental aspects of industrial designs organized by the Uganda Registration Services Bureau, in which INTA member Richard Stockton (Banner Witcoff, USA) made a presentation on the novelty test while illustrating its practical application when examining an industrial design.

INTA Consultant Hazel Okoth supports the Association’s members across Africa in collaboration with the staff at INTA’s headquarters in New York City and Representative Offices around the world. Ms. Okoth works on the Association’s policy, membership, marketing, and communications initiatives in Africa. To learn more about INTA’s activities in Africa, please contact INTA Consultant Hazel Okoth.

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this article, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.

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