Rwanda has become the latest African country to join the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO). The country deposited its Instrument of Accession on 24 June 2011 and the Harare Protocol will enter into force on 24 September 2011.

According to Nicky Garnett – Head of Africa Patents Department, Adams & Adams attorneys: “As the Ministry of Trade and Industry moves to reinforce the concept of Intellectual Property (IP) in Rwanda, it is optimistic that good IP protection will win investors’ confidence hence attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). “

Many African countries are recognising the benefits of having good IP policies and are aware of the impact this can have on economic development. Efforts to increase product and service innovation to give way for a private sector-led economy where creativity, that is securely protected, is a driving factor is paying off with the current strengthening of the intellectual property law. Rwanda is emerging from its war torn past as a force to be reckoned with on the continent.

Rwanda was recently voted as one of the easiest countries to do business in. Rwanda is part of the East African Community and is definitely open for business.

ARIPO is a regional organisation which provides a central system for registration of patents, trademarks and designs in all member countries. ARIPO now has 17 active member countries. These include Botswana, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Contact:
Nicky Garnett
Head of Africa Patent Department
nickyg@adamsadams.co.za
Tel: 012 432 6000