KISCH IP was recently honoured to be a part of INTA’s first conference in Africa. Called Building Africa with Brands, the conference offered unique access to brand owners, government officers and other legal experts giving those attending an opportunity to exchange ideas and opinions and learn more about the important issues facing doing business in Africa.

Andrew Papadopolous, Director at KISCH IP, together with speakers from Nigeria and the UK, dealt with the regulatory restrictions that need to be considered when developing and implementing brand use and protection strategies. This included labelling requirements and advertising claim issues with examples used to offer a realistic idea of how these impact businesses.

The firm was proud to have Lindy Lowne-Hughes, Director and Head of the firm’s Trade Mark Formalities Department, included as a project team member for the conference as well as act as a moderator for a session that included speakers from South Africa, the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe.

A panel providing tips and advice on how to create and implement and effective enforcement program that is both timely and cost-effective included Vanessa Ferguson, Director and Head of the firm’s Anti Counterfeiting Department, who was also part of the discussion around what options are available to brand owners and what the pros and cons of these are.

KISCH IP hosted speakers and delegates at a private event at Ellerman House in Cape Town the evening before the conference which set the tone for an informative, interesting and inspiring conference over the next 2 days.