The Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) has officially launched its first-ever Student Intellectual Property Club, geared towards nurturing a culture of respect for intellectual property (IP) rights among Liberian students.

The initiative, which will be piloted in Montserrado County, according to LIPO Director General Garmai Koboi, is designed to instill an early understanding of intellectual property rights among Liberian students.

“The future of our nation’s innovation and creativity depends on our ability to nurture a generation of individuals who understand and appreciate the importance of intellectual property rights,” Madam Koboi said in a remark while launching the student intellectual property club on April 23 at a program marking the celebration of the World Book and Copyright Day at the Executive Pavilion.

“By launching the IP Club, we are taking a proactive step towards building a society where innovation is celebrated, and intellectual property is safeguarded. It is a seed of innovation and creativity that we are sowing to drive growth and success in the years to come,” Madam Koboi added.

The Student IP Club’s intent is to cultivate a generation of responsible citizens who respect and uphold the rights surrounding intellectual property while addressing past mistakes of not incorporating students, who are users and creators of IP, in awareness programs.

The celebrations of the World Book and Copyright Day begin with a parade, which creates huge public attractions, as Madam Koboi leads a team of an array of stakeholders, government officials, educators, students, and representatives from the private sector in celebration.

This year’s celebration, according to stakeholders, is the biggest in the history of Liberia, with over 400 guests in attendance. A student-led essay competition on Books and Copyrights was just one of the numerous activities undertaken for the day, which climaxed with a street performance.

In his keynote address, Montserrado County District #17 Rep. Bernard Benson, through a proxy, called on Madam Koboi’s administration to institute robust mechanisms to enforce the country’s IP law “in order” to safeguard the rights of artists and combat piracy effectively.

Rep. Benson, who is a lifelong entertainer, expressed concerns about the openly traded piracy market—a problem which Madam Koboi’s administration has promised to tackle to instill confidence in the country’s IP regime.

“I stand here today very angry in my spirit as a music producer, singer, and record label whose copyright has been constantly and persistently disregarded… without any support from LIPO,” he said. “I hope the new administration will be different so that the office, which is charged with protecting our work, will not fail us miserably.”

Rep. Benson disclosed that the scourge of piracy, which happens in broad daylight—across Monrovia and its environment—casts a dark cloud over our cultural heritage, siphoning away the fruits of our labor and stifling the creative spirit that defines us as a nation.

“The Intellectual Property Office has for far too long turned a blind eye to this insidious threat, allowing it to thrive unchecked in the broad daylight of indifference,” he said. “Since the passage of the Liberia Intellectual Property Act in 2016, one would expect that we would see a significant crackdown on piracy, a stern stance against those who seek to profit off the hard work and creativity of others.”

“Copyright laws are not merely a luxury for artists and creators; they are essential for fostering creativity and economic growth. Without enforcement of the copyright law as it is, our cultural heritage is being eroded, and future generations deprived of the rich tapestry of artistic expression that defines us as Liberians,” the lawmaker added. “As a music producer and artist myself, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of piracy on our creative industries. Countless talented individuals pour their hearts and souls into their craft, only to have their work stolen and distributed illegally without their consent.”

Rep. Benson, speaking further in specific reference to the crux of the event (books), said he was filled with gratitude and a mind teeming with excitement about the timeless wisdom encapsulated within the pages of books and the indispensable role of copyright in safeguarding the creative endeavors of humanity.

He told the audience that as they reflect upon the importance of books, under the global theme: “Read Your Way,” it was important that everyone be reminded of the unparalleled ability of books to transcend boundaries, ignite imaginations, and foster empathy.

“From the profound works of Bai T. Moore to the insightful prose of Wilton Sankawulo, Liberian authors have and continue to leave an indelible mark on our collective consciousness—serving as the custodians of our collective wisdom, preserving the past, and illuminating the path forward Imagine where we all would have been today if Bai T. Moore, Wilton Sankawulo, and all other great Liberian authors had not seen the need to give us access to the wisdom of the ages?” Rep. Benson asked rhetorically.

“How are we going to learn from the triumphs and tribulations of those who came before us? Or confront challenges with resilience, to navigate complexities with clarity, and envision possibilities beyond the confines of our reality? It was going to be difficult,” he said.

Rep. Benson noted that while the situation of the 1940s to 60s that gave birth to the “Liberian literary renaissance” is quite different compared to now, LIPO, even though its administration is about three months old, should refuse to accept the diminished fate of “our literary industry.”

Earlier, Madam Koboi had in her World Book and Copyright Day message assured Liberians of her administration—which is less than three months old—commitments to enforcing the country’s IP law to the letter.

In her message, Madam Koboi announced plans to launch an E-Service registration portal to simplify the copyright registration process, making it more accessible and efficient for authors and publishers.

“In the coming months, we will be launching an E-Service registration portal as part of our modernization efforts to streamline the registration process of copyright, allowing authors and publishers to file for protection of their works from any part of the country or the world with ease, removing bureaucratic barriers that have hindered copyright registration.

“This promise is not just a legal obligation; it is a moral imperative rooted in our belief that every author and publisher deserves to reap the rewards of their labor. It is through intellectual property rights protection that LIPO can ensure the rebirth of the Liberia literary industry and foster an environment where creativity can thrive. As a result, my administration remains deeply committed to this task and will do so within our legal authority to make it a reality,” Madam Koboi added.

She then reflected on the legacy of renowned Liberian authors and the power of education and encouraged “everyone” to support the literary industry by purchasing books and upholding intellectual property rights—emphasizing the transformative impact of literature in fostering creativity, understanding, and unity within society.