MONROVIA- The Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO), on Tuesday, today finalized its three-month public  campaign on fostering respect for intellectual property (IP) in Liberia.

By Francis G. Boayue

LIPO, on Tuesday at the Invincible Park in Monrovia ended their three-month nationwide campaign aimed at strengthening public understanding of how intellectual property fuels creativity, innovation, and Liberia’s economic growth.

 The event brought together scores of artists and comedians who shared important messages about the role of IP in economic development and why respect for it is crucial.

Speaking at the close of the campaign in Fish Market, Hon. Garmai Koboi, Director General of LIPO, pointed out that the “initiative marks a significant step in the Government of Liberia’s effort to equip Liberians with the knowledge to protect and value creative works and innovations.”

Hon. Koboi added that the government’s action would pave the way for greater economic empowerment and technological advancement, in line with President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST agenda.

“This campaign has been about empowering Liberians to understand and protect what they create,” added Koboi. “From musicians to inventors, every creative person deserves to benefit from their hard work. Promoting respect for intellectual property is essential to building a stronger and more innovative Liberia.”

During the campaign, visits were made to Nimba and Grand Bassa, with stops in Margibi and Bong Counties, to engage Liberians living in rural and urban areas of Montserrado County, with awareness messages geared towards promoting respect for IP.

The campaign, which originally opened in Montserrado, included additional components such as a social media campaign and a weekly radio show. The weekly radio program featured lively discussions on IP issues, while social media platforms— all geared towards ensuring wider reach to almost every corner of Liberia.

Hon. Clarence H. Cole, Deputy Director General for Copyright at LIPO, noted that building respect for intellectual property is essential in creating a thriving creative economy; as such, the campaign has not only raised awareness but also inspired trust in Liberia’s IP framework, which is key to nurturing innovation and progress.

“This is just the beginning. This campaign has opened doors for greater understanding and appreciation of IP rights, but there’s more work to do,” Hon. Cole added. “Protecting intellectual property strengthens our creative industries and builds trust in our systems.”


Also speaking, veteran Liberian musician Amaze, noted that the campaign had sparked a deeper understanding of intellectual property, not just among artists but among many Liberians in the counties visited.

According to Amaze, the groundbreaking initiative has empowered the creative sector by showing that their work is valued and protected. The awareness, he added, has set a foundation for a stronger, more vibrant creative industry in Liberia.

“For me, this has been a game-changer. Artists are now realizing the value of their work and the importance of protecting it,” said Amaze while performing at Fish Market. “It’s inspiring to see the change this campaign is bringing to our creative community.”

Meanwhile, the three-month campaign by LIPO is in alignment with President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST agenda, empowering Liberians with the tools and knowledge to foster economic growth and national development.

MONROVIA—The Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO), in partnership with the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), has successfully conducted a one-day E-Service sensitization workshop for intellectual property (IP) attorneys and agents in Liberia.

By: Francis G. Boayue

During the workshop, Hon. Garmai Koboi, Director General of LIPO, emphasized the importance of enhancing understanding of digital tools and services designed to protect and promote intellectual property rights in the region. She stated that the training aims to empower agents to better serve their communities and strengthen the IP landscape in Liberia.

“This workshop is a continuation of our mission to equip IP agents and lawyers with the practical knowledge necessary to navigate ARIPO’s filing procedures. As frontline practitioners in IP administration, you are vital in aiding innovators, businesses, and creators in protecting their intellectual assets. Mastering these filing procedures will ensure compliance and boost the overall efficiency and growth of the IP system in Liberia,” asserted Madam Koboi.

She also expressed gratitude to ARIPO for sponsoring the workshop and providing facilitators, whose expertise enhanced the educational sessions on intellectual property filing at the ARIPO level.

For his part, Hon. P. Benedict Amos Dolo, Deputy Minister for Small Business Administration at the Ministry of Commerce, praised LIPO and ARIPO for their foresightedness in building the capabilities of IP agents to align with international standards.

Meanwhile, ARIPO has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering fruitful engagements that aim to leverage digital technologies to enhance operational efficiency, modernize processes, improve stakeholder engagement, ensure robust data security and intellectual property management, and foster innovation across the continent.

Sanniquellie – The Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) has wrapped up a two-day intellectual property awareness campaign in Nimba County, marking the first event of its kind in the county.

The initiative, held from September 28 to 29 in the bustling cities of Ganta and Sanniquellie, forms a core part of LIPO’s ongoing three-month campaign aimed at educating Liberians at the grassroots level about intellectual property, with a particular focus on trademarks, copyrights, and piracy.

The Nimba awareness campaign kicked off with radio appearances on Kergheamahn and Voice of Gompa—two of the country’s most popular stations—ensuring that the campaign’s core messages reached a broad audience across the county.

According to Hon. Garmai Koboi,Director General of LIPO, “The enthusiasm and interest shown by the people of Nimba in understanding intellectual property were remarkable and encouraging.”

Hon. Koboi emphasized that because of Nimba’s economic potential, it is home to a lot of untapped talent, which could thrive with greater awareness of IP laws and their benefits.

“We are investing in providing the knowledge the people of Nimba need to not just protect their ideas but to commercialize them as well,” Hon. Koboi added.

Although the concept of intellectual property might seem complex, it is intricately woven into the daily lives of all Liberians. The smartphone, the logo on shoes or clothes, and the software used for work or entertainment are all examples of someone’s or a company’s IP, protected in various forms, and represent common points of human interaction.

The protections provided by IP grant a claim of ownership so that no one can use, copy, or profit from the IP without the owner’s express permission.

The Nimba tour, which follows similar events in Grand Bassa and Montserrado Counties, saw Hon. Koboi and her team significantly simplifying the concept of intellectual property and how it can be leveraged to stimulate economic growth, encourage entrepreneurship, and safeguard innovations.

Additionally, a significant focus was placed on the dangers and economic consequences of piracy, which involves the illegal copying and distribution of works such as music, films, and software. Brochures and flyers were distributed to reinforce the campaign’s core messages.

“Every Liberian plays a crucial role in this effort,” Hon. Koboi noted. “By respecting intellectual property rights and choosing legitimate products, we contribute to building a more vibrant economy that values and protects creativity.”

Ganta City Mayor Samuel Hardt, expressed his appreciation for LIPO’s efforts, describing it as a historic moment for Nimba County.

Hon. Hardt further noted that LIPO’s actions are a vital step toward ensuring that creators and innovators in Nimba County receive the recognition and rewards “they deserve for their work.”

“This visit from LIPO is a pivotal milestone for our city,” Eastman added. “Educating our community about intellectual property creates opportunities for economic empowerment and the growth of our local industries.”

Meanwhile, other elements of LIPO’s three-month campaign include the “Intellectual Property Hour” on JoyFM, a weekly radio show that provides comprehensive insights into various aspects of IP, featuring expert discussions and public engagement.

Simultaneously, the social media campaign utilizes platforms like Facebook to disseminate information, engage the public, and encourage active discussions on intellectual property issues.

Buchanan – The Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) has concluded a two-day awareness drive on intellectual property in Grand Bassa County.

The initiative, held from September 12-13 in Buchanan City, is a key component of LIPO’s ongoing campaign to educate the public about intellectual property (IP). The campaign covers critical areas like trademarks, patents, copyrights, and industrial designs while promoting respect for IP rights.

The Buchanan tour, which ended with a lively street jam, kicked off with a series of awareness meetings involving a broad spectrum of local stakeholders, including representatives from the Mayor’s Office, educators from Grand Bassa University College, and several high schools, including Bassa High and the Seventh-day Adventist School.

During the meetings, participants explored the establishment of a Technology and Innovation Support Center and the creation of an Intellectual Property High School Club, with commitments made for follow-up. The LIPO delegation also appeared on Ableejay Radio, Grand Bassa’s most prominent and widely listened-to station, extending the reach of the IP awareness campaign and engaging a broader audience.

“The excitement and interest from the people of Bassa in learning more about the intellectual property were overwhelming,” noted Ms. Jamus P. Bannah, LIPO Program, and Outreach Manager. “This reinforces the importance of our IP awareness campaign, which aims to educate our citizens about the value of intellectual property protection and respect.”

“Grand Bassa, like many other counties, is teeming with creative and innovative talents that remain untapped due to a lack of knowledge about how to protect their ideas and benefit economically. We are making this investment to provide them with the knowledge they need,” Ms. Bannah added.

Speaking in one of the meetings, Buchanan City Manager Thomas K. Nimely expressed the county leadership’s excitement over LIPO’s visit, calling it a historic moment for the people of Buchanan and Grand Bassa County at large.

Mr. Nimely added that LIPO’s efforts are an eye-opener as they provide the people of Bassa with the knowledge needed to “fully utilize IP laws to protect their creativity and innovations” while respecting IP rights.

“Educating our people about intellectual property opens doors to economic empowerment and the development of our local industries,” Mr. Nimely said. “This is a major step toward ensuring that our creators and innovators are properly recognized and rewarded for their work.”

Although the concept of IP can be complex, Ms. Bannah and her team broke it down into simple terms during their interactions with Liberians from all walks of life in Buchanan City.

Intellectual property rights, while exclusive, are deeply integrated into the daily lives of all Liberians. For instance, the smartphone, the logo on shoes or clothes, and the software used for work or entertainment are all examples of someone’s or a company’s IP, protected by various legal frameworks.

These logos, designs, and even the technology inside a smartphone are the result of legal protections provided by IP, ensuring that ownership is recognized and that no one can use, copy, or profit from these innovations without permission from the owner.

The Grand Bassa awareness drive, following a similar initiative in Montserrado County, aims not only to educate the public on IP and enhance the protection of IP assets but also to combat piracy and demonstrate how IP rights can stimulate economic growth, encourage entrepreneurship, and safeguard local innovations.

Other components of the three-month awareness campaign include the “Intellectual Property Hour” on JoyFM and a “Social Media Influencers Campaign,” both designed to amplify the message of IP protection and engage broader audiences.

The IP Hour on JoyFM is a weekly radio program that provides in-depth information on various aspects of intellectual property, featuring expert discussions and public interactions. Additionally, the social media campaign utilizes platforms like Facebook to share information, engage with the public, and encourage active participation in discussions about intellectual property issues.

At the Journey Home Film Festival, Hon. Clarence H. Cole, Deputy Director General for Copyright at LIPO, joined festival chief organizer Dr. Clarice Ford-Kulah, along with renowned African movie industry figures such as Desmond Elliott and Richard Mofe-Damijo, to provide valuable insights and empower attendees on the issue of intellectual property rights and copyright.

In his remarks, Hon. Cole demystified the concept of intellectual property and elaborated on the role that LIPO plays in the process. Addressing an audience of producers, directors, actors, and actresses, he emphasized the importance of intellectual property and leveraging it for economic gains.

“Intellectual property is not just a legal formality; it is a crucial asset for creators,” said Hon. Cole in his remark on June 21,2024. “By protecting your intellectual property, you can ensure a steady income stream from your creative works for years to come. It is essential to recognize the value of your creations and take the necessary steps to safeguard them.”

He added that it is about time Liberian creators recognize the immense value of intellectual property, which is by far the most important medium through which creators can secure the opportunity to earn revenue from their creativity for years to come.

“Intellectual property rights ensure that you, the creators, benefit economically from your hard work and creativity. It’s not just about legal protection; it’s about economic empowerment and sustaining the creative industries.”

At the end of Hon. Cole’s remarks, the attendees appreciated him for his presentation and the clarity he provided on the topic as well as on the registration process at LIPO, which is virtually cost-free.

The collaboration with Journey Home Film Festival follows a similar collaboration with ASAP Africa, Inc., the organizer of the inaugural Mano River Music Conference, which took place in Monrovia from May 17-18, 2024, at the EJS Ministerial Complex. These collaborations reflect Hon. Koboi’s ongoing commitment to raising awareness about intellectual property across various sectors of Liberia’s creative industries.

The Mano River Music Conference represents a groundbreaking event in Liberia’s music industry as it brought together esteemed international music industry experts to engage with and empower local talent and open discussions on how artists can grow their careers in music.

Journey Home Film Festival is a significant cultural event that celebrates the vibrancy and burgeoning film industry in Liberia, which is teeming with talent and potential. The festival serves as a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work, network, and learn from industry veterans, thus playing a crucial role in the industry’s development.

In a related development, Hon. Koboi, the Director General of LIPO, has returned from Ghana after participating in the Africa Regional Intellectual Property Organizations Regional Workshop on Plant Variety Protection.

The workshop, hosted by the Government of Ghana and ARIPO in partnership with the Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office, focused on “Plant Variety Protection for Sustainable Agricultural Development and Food Security in the Context of Climate Change.”

Hon. Garmai Koboi, the Director General of the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO), has urged delegates at the ongoing World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Diplomatic Conference on Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge to engage constructively and cooperatively towards adopting a final legal instrument, which is critical to the conference’s objectives.

The conference, which runs from May 13-24, brings together WIPO member state delegates, observers – including Indigenous Peoples – and other stakeholders from across the globe to negotiate a proposed treaty relating to intellectual property, genetic resources, and traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources.

In an address to the conference, Hon. Koboi called on all delegates to negotiate with openness and cooperation so that “the outcome of the conference” meets the diverse needs and aspirations of all nations.

According to her, the gathering, as convened by WIPO, represents a critical moment in global efforts to forge a consensus on the protection and utilization of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, which are issues of profound importance to the sustainable development and cultural heritage of all nations.

“The outcomes of this conference hold significant implications for the future of global intellectual property governance,” Hon. Koboi said in brief remarks at the conference opening on May 13.

“As we deliberate on the draft text of the legal instrument under consideration, Liberia urges all parties to engage constructively and with a spirit of cooperation. The resulting framework must be comprehensive, clear, and responsive to the needs and aspirations of all nations, particularly those with rich biodiversity and cultural heritage,” she added.

According to Hon. Koboi, Liberia is steadfast in its commitment to fostering a balanced and inclusive approach to intellectual property rights, one that recognizes and respects the rights of all stakeholders, especially indigenous and local communities who are the custodians of traditional knowledge.

She added that once delegates at the conference adopt the text of the final treaty relating to intellectual property, genetic resources, and traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources, Liberia would begin its domestication to drive socio-economic development.

 “We will push measures that empower these communities to actively participate in decision-making processes and benefit equally from the commercialization of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge,” Hon. Koboi said.

The ongoing WIPO conference comes after its member states nearly three years ago reached a breakthrough consensus to move their negotiations to the next level, determining that a Diplomatic Conference should be held before the end of 2024 and that a “Basic Proposal” would serve as the basis for negotiations.

A breakthrough this time around, according to experts, would mean a better representation of the pivotal role genetic resources play in innovation, while underscoring how a strong IP system is a powerful catalyst for inclusive growth.

What are Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge?

Genetic resources are contained in, for example, medicinal plants, agricultural crops, and animal breeds. While genetic resources themselves cannot be directly protected as intellectual property, inventions developed using them can, most often through a patent. Some genetic resources are also associated with traditional knowledge through their use and conservation by Indigenous Peoples as well as local communities, often over generations.

This knowledge is sometimes used in scientific research and, as such, may contribute to the development of a protected invention.

WIPO member state delegates officially launched historic final-stage negotiations on a proposed treaty relating to intellectual property, genetic resources, and associated traditional knowledge.

In a speech opening the conference on May 13, Daren Tang, WIPO Director General, called on negotiators to marry passion with pragmatism in advancing their work.

 Mr. Tang underlined the historic nature of the negotiations and said: “Let me be candid – negotiations will not be easy. Negotiations dealing with significant and important topics rarely are. But I call on all of you to marry passion with pragmatism, and channel the same spirit of flexibility, accommodation, and consensus that has brought us now to the cusp of a truly landmark agreement.

“At this Diplomatic Conference, we can show that there is no contradiction between a robust and predictable IP regime – one that incentivizes innovation, attracts investments and drives game-changing research – and one that responds to the needs of all countries and their communities everywhere, including those from Indigenous Peoples as well as from Local Communities.

A more inclusive and diverse IP system is not just a more dynamic IP system, it is a stronger IP system,” Mr. Tang said. A successful result would also deliver a much-needed boost to multilateralism, noted Mr. Tang, as he added that “Over the next two weeks, our responsibility is therefore not just to WIPO and the IP community, but also to a world whose eyes are upon us.”

About Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO):

The Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) is responsible for the protection and promotion of intellectual property rights in Liberia. LIPO supports national development by fostering innovation, creativity, and the equitable exploitation of intellectual assets. For more information, visit LIPO’s website.