For Immediate Release:

Hon. Garmai Koboi, Director General of LIPO, Highlights Key IP Initiatives and Achievements at MICAT Press Briefing

— As LIPO Director General, Hon. Koboi says, “The comprehensive approach signifies a brighter future for Liberia.”

Monrovia, Liberia – The administration of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, through the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO), is making significant strides in advancing intellectual property (IP) protection across the country.

Speaking at a MICAT press briefing, Hon. Koboi emphasized that these initiatives align with President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, which seeks to advance a knowledge-based economy, where intellectual property protection underpins socio-economic development.

According to Hon. Koboi, intellectual property protection plays a vital role in empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), creative industries, and researchers while boosting economic prosperity.

One of the key initiatives highlighted by Hon. Koboi is LIPO’s ongoing three-month Intellectual Property awareness campaign. The campaign aims to educate the Liberian public on the importance of intellectual property rights, reaching grassroots communities across three counties: Montserrado, Buchanan, and Grand Bassa.

The awareness campaign involves outreach programs, an influencer-driven initiative, and a weekly radio segment titled the “Intellectual Property Hour.” The outreach programs engage musicians, authors, entrepreneurs, and inventors, equipping them with the knowledge to protect their creative works while respecting IP rights.

The influencer-driven campaign leverages celebrity personalities to amplify the message of IP protection, particularly among the youth. This initiative simplifies the complexities of intellectual property, making it more relatable to a broader audience. In addition, the weekly “Intellectual Property Hour” on JoyFM has become a popular platform where IP experts discuss key issues and answer questions from the public, reaching thousands of listeners.

“Building awareness is the foundation of a strong IP culture. This is why we are reaching out to Liberians at the grassroots level, ensuring that every Liberian understands the value of protecting their creations, which remains a crucial goal of President Boakai’s vision for an enlightened and innovative society,” Hon. Koboi added.

Another significant milestone in LIPO’s efforts is the training of over 200 SMEs in intellectual property asset management, in collaboration with the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO). This initiative equips SMEs with the tools to protect and leverage their intellectual property, ensuring they remain competitive in the global marketplace.

“SMEs are the backbone of our economy, and through this training, we are helping them integrate IP protection into their business strategies,” said Hon. Koboi. This initiative, she says, directly supports the ARREST Agenda’s focus on economic revitalization, enabling Liberian entrepreneurs to attract investment and grow their businesses.

Additionally, Hon. Koboi noted that LIPO has launched the Intellectual Property High School Clubs Initiative in select schools in Montserrado County. This pilot project encourages innovation and respect for IP rights among young Liberians. Students from participating schools will have the opportunity to compete in a national IP competition, with the winners representing Liberia in a regional contest against Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Malawi.

“This initiative fosters a culture of creativity among our youth, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents,” Koboi noted. The project, sponsored by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and ARIPO, aligns with the ARREST Agenda’s goal of empowering Liberia’s youth population for sustained growth and innovation.

In a move to support the local manufacturing sector, the Government of Liberia has provided office space to the Manufacturing Union of Liberia. This initiative allows manufacturers to streamline operations and collaborate more effectively while ensuring their products align with intellectual property protections. Hon. Koboi emphasized that this provision speaks to the government’s commitment to fostering industrial growth and job creation.

Another key development is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) for the establishment of a Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC). The center will provide innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs with access to cutting-edge resources, enabling them to develop and protect their innovations, particularly in the agricultural sector.

“This initiative is a significant step towards fostering agricultural innovation, food security, and sustainable development, directly contributing to the ARREST Agenda,” Hon. Koboi added.

Additionally, LIPO recently celebrated the graduation of 30 SMEs from a six-month IP Management Clinic conducted in collaboration with WIPO. The clinic provided in-depth training on IP management, enabling businesses to navigate the complexities of IP protection, commercialisation, and enforcement.

This initiative is a core component of the Government of Liberia’s efforts to empower Liberian businesses to utilise intellectual property as a tool for growth and economic empowerment. It aligns with the President’s ARREST Agenda’s focus on economic revitalisation and transformation for Liberians in the SMEs sector.

As LIPO celebrates its recent achievements, the Government of Liberia, through LIPO, is also preparing to launch several new IP projects, including pending partnerships with the Liberia National Police and the Liberia Revenue Authority to strengthen enforcement against IP theft, as well as the launch of the Women and Youth IP project to empower marginalised groups in the knowledge economy.

These initiatives further underscore President Boakai’s commitment to fostering a robust intellectual property ecosystem that supports innovation, creativity, and economic growth. These efforts significantly contribute to President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda by creating an environment where creativity and innovation can thrive.

“LIPO is dedicated to ensuring that every Liberian benefits from their creative endeavours and intellectual contributions,” Hon. Koboi noted. “We will continue to build a robust IP system that supports economic growth, cultural enrichment, and technological advancement in our beloved country.”

“This comprehensive approach signifies a brighter future for Liberia, positioning the nation as a leader in intellectual property protection and innovation on the African continent,” Hon. Koboi added.