Liberia SMEs Participate in WIPO IP Management Clinics
June 10, 2024
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in collaboration with the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) recently completed Liberia’s first IP Management Clinic (IPMC) program. This project was undertaken in the Framework of WIPO’s Covid – 19 Response Package, that aimed to support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) use of intellectual property in their recovery efforts from the negative business impact caused by the pandemic. This initiative supported thirty dynamic SMEs from the fields of Food Processing (12), Food Packaging (8), and Fashion & Designs (including cosmetics) (10).
The thirty SMEs underwent mentorship provided by experts in IP Management and Business Development. Ms. Garmai Koboi and Cllr. Fanta Conde Barclay (IP Management) and Mr. Jethro B. Kweme Johnson and Mr. William Reide Dennis II (Business Development). Ms. Jamus Bannah was coordinating the project on LIPO side.
During the project the experts provided advise and guidance tailored to operational needs of each SME. The advice and guidance focused on formulation of IP and Business strategies, creation of IP portfolios and best ways of managing IP. In addition, participating SMEs were provided with hands-on orientation regarding the various options offered by the IP system to support their businesses.
Following the interest and commitment shown by the participants, LIPO provided office space for the operations of a manufacturing association, which was established by the participants during the project. The association will facilitate the promotion of IP among its members and be a bridge between LIPO and SMEs.
On April 17, 2024, participants came together in a public event where they had the opportunity to share with the public their IP journey during the program and their future expectation. They also had the opportunity to display and sell some of their products.
Looking forward, so far WIPO IPMC projects in Africa have been conducted successfully in Kenya, Nigeria, Liberia and South Africa. More IPMCs are expected to take place in other African countries including Tanzania and Botswana. Through the IPMC projects participants get the opportunity to integrate IP in their business strategies and have first hand experience on the positive impact IP would have in their business growth and competitiveness.