This book examines the harmonisation of Intellectual Property (IP) policy, law and administration in Africa. Two recent developments have brought this topic to the fore. The first is the escalation of long-standing efforts to establish a Pan-African Intellectual Property Organisation (PAIPO), a continental initiative. The second is the current sub-regional attempt to operationalise the IP provisions of the Southern African Development Community (SADC)’s Protocol on Trade (articles 9b and 24) and its Protocol on Science, Technology and Innovation (article 2m). Intellectual Property Policy, Law and Administration in Africa discusses the viability of such initiatives with particular reference to the current socio-economic status of Africa’s nations. With a view to contributing to future developments in Africa at both a continental and sub-regional level, the author considers this issue through the lens of advancing the public interest in IP. Ncube argues that harmonisation initiatives ought to be crafted in a way that is supportive of the development aspirations of African states. Consequently, she urges due consideration of individual states’ unique conditions and aspirations in any harmonisation venture, a necessity outlined in article 7 of the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights. This book will be of great relevance to scholars and policy makers with an interest in IP law and African law in general.

Examining the harmonisation of Intellectual Property policy, law and administration in Africa, this book evaluates the effectiveness of efforts to establish continental Intellectual Property institutions and frameworks. It also considers sub-regional initiatives led by the regional economic communities and the regional Intellectual Property organisations, focusing on relevant protocols and agreements that address Intellectual Property as well as the implementing institutions. The book assesses the progress of such initiatives with particular reference to the current socio-economic status of African states. It argues that that harmonisation initiatives need to be crafted in a way that is supportive of the developmental goals of African states and advocates for due consideration of individual states’ unique conditions and aspirations. This book will be of great relevance to scholars and policy makers with an interest in Intellectual Property law and its harmonisation in Africa.

Examining the harmonisation of Intellectual Property policy, law and administration in Africa, this book evaluates the effectiveness of efforts to establish continental Intellectual Property institutions and frameworks. It also considers sub-regional initiatives led by the regional economic communities and the regional Intellectual Property organisations, focusing on relevant protocols and agreements that address Intellectual Property as well as the implementing institutions. The book assesses the progress of such initiatives with particular reference to the current socio-economic status of African states. It argues that that harmonisation initiatives need to be crafted in a way that is supportive of the developmental goals of African states and advocates for due consideration of individual states' unique conditions and aspirations. This book will be of great relevance to scholars and policy makers with an interest in Intellectual Property law and its harmonisation in Africa

This book discusses the impact of intellectual property and international investment agreements within Africa. It investigates how African nations can enhance their current intellectual property legislation across various regions of the continent, while simultaneously fostering the development of local industries and stimulating innovation and creativity within the region. Despite intellectual property remaining a major issue in global trade governance, African countries have room to maximise the advantages that global intellectual property law can offer. Highlighting discourse on investment, intellectual property, and competition policies in Africa, the book underscores the need for African nations to develop intellectual property frameworks that can facilitate economic transformation. Using data from international intellectual property conventions, WTO dispute settlements and African regional organisation conventions, the book is a comprehensive call to action for African intellectual property lawyers and policymakers. The book will be of interest to students and scholars in the field of intellectual property law and international investment law.

Most universities and R&D institutions in African countries are now entering a stage where they will be expected to interact more with industry as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations, in terms of consultancy, research contracts and commercialization of inventions, innovations and research findings. Collaboration between universities and industry or other bodies is not a new phenomenon. What perhaps will be new is the increased reliance of universities and R&D institutions on them as a source of income. Industry and other public institutions will increasingly see such collaboration as a source of new technologies as well as expert support for their tasks of product, process and policy development.