| Description: |
The Japan Funds-in-Trust for Industrial Property for Africa and Least Developed Countries (FIT Japan) was established in 2008 and marks its 10th anniversary this year. Commemorating this, as mentioned in the approved memo on the 10th Anniversary event during the WIPO General Assemblies (see attached), it was proposed to hold an event during the Administrative Council of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) in order to review the activities implemented during the last ten years and to enhance and strengthen the collaboration with African countries for future activities.
After discussion between the Japan Patent Office (JPO), ARIPO and WIPO, it is planned to hold the event in the afternoon of November 21, 2018.
It was also agreed that the program would consist of a High Level Panel Discussion with the theme IP and Innovation: Strengthening business competitiveness of SMEs and a diner to commemorate the event (please find attached program). In this regard, it is proposed to invite H.E. Mr. Samuel B. Tembenu, Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs of Malawi and Chair of the ARIPO Ministerial Council and to participate in event. |