Monrovia – The Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) is the Liberian Government’s Agency responsible for sensitizing Liberians and Liberia-based foreigners about protection of people’s brains-produced works. Some of the works are: books, Journals, Pamphlet, movie, music, photography, choreography, and scientific invention
By: Samuel G. Dweh—Freelance Development Journalist, +23188661896/776583266; [email protected]/[email protected]
LIPO works through the Collective Society of Liberia (COSOL), is the Secretariat within the Copyright Department of the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) COSOL is headed by Mr. James Y. Draper as Executive Director, appointed on the 22nd of April, 2024. He is a former Executive Secretary of the Liberian National Commission for United Nations Education, Scientific & Cultural Organization (UNESCO); former Assistant Minister for Tourism at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs & Tourism (MICAT); and former Consultant on Intellectual Property at the Ministry of Commerce & Industry; and an Arts and Craft specialist.
Maretha International Preparatory and Daycare School is a dream-related child of two “young ladies”—Mrs. Mallah Toe-Ross and Madam Oretha Doekieh. Both are graduates from the William V.S. Tubman Teachers College at the University of Liberia.
The school’s academic activities began first on 16th Street, Sinkor. Later, the owners relocated the school on 3rd Street, sinkor, with another branch in Duport Road, Paynesville.
The school experienced disruptions due to the “Octopus insurrection” in 1992—a continuation of Liberia’s civil war. But the school soon bounced back with academic normalcy.
Names of students of the school’s first batch of graduates are: Wesley O. Jallah, Brezzie Gibson, Jallah Dolo, Gbolu Moleyeaze, Mayedeh Kai (who represented the school in Hawaii, USA), Diminah Akoi, and Lina Greene.
The school’s connection with LIPO started in 2024, after the school won the 2nd Place prize (of LD$20,000) in the LIPO’s “World Book and Copyright Day” contest for Grade schools.
This Award inspired the owners of the schools to add “Intellectual Property (IP) Education” to the menu of subjects—English, Literature, Mathematics, etc. taught in the school.
On Friday, September 20, 2024, LIPO held a program at the 3rd Street Branch of the school to refresh students’ memories in Intellectual Property business and to donate IP-related pamphlets and book bags to the students.
“The school also teaches other professional courses to adults from outside, beside the IP education to our students,” the school’s Principal, Mr. Richard B. Nyenatoh, told this writer at the
The school’s public information banner along the road leading to the school has “Midwifery”, “Technology”, and other “professional courses” being offered at the school.
During her remarks, LIPO’s Director-General, Madam Garmai Koboi, announced to the body of students and the members of the school’s leadership: “Politics can’t develop our Country. Only creativity and protection of people’s intellectual properties from illegal use can. America, China, India and other Countries are developed today on their citizens’ intellectual works and the Government’s protection of each citizen’s intellectual work from criminal use by another person.”
The School’s Proprietress, Madam Mallah Toe-Ross, said: “Our students’ understanding IP education will boost their respective intellectual capabilities, and enable them to intellectually contribute to the development of the Country.”
The remarks segment was followed by donation of IP-related pamphlets and book bags from LIPO. Director-General Garmai Koboi led the presentation, assisted by members of her team.
“Only reading those IP-related materials can give deeper knowledge of Intellectual Property and guide you against illegally using another person’s intellectual work,” LIPO’s D.G. announced to the students after the donation.
The program ended with a Closing Remarks and Vote of Thanks by a male and students.
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