TOGO: 24th Edition of Intellectual Property Day – Businesses Urged to Integrate it into their Strategy
The African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) is celebrating the 24th edition of the African Technology and Intellectual Property day on September 13th. The day before, in a message, the Minister of Commerce, Handicrafts, and Local Consumption, Mrs. Kayi Mivedor-Sambiani, called on businesses to integrate intellectual property into their strategy to conquer new markets in Africa.
The African Technology and Intellectual Property day provides an opportunity for states, civil society, and development partners to analyse and consider policies, strategies, and practices involving intellectual property and technology to find appropriate solutions to the challenges of economic development.
The 2023 celebration is held under the theme «Intellectual Property: Issues of Competitiveness for Businesses»
Competitiveness, which can be understood as the ability to face effective or potential competition, is not a new concept.
It reflects a daily reality, that of constant competition in various markets involving companies, informal sector actors, and even nations.
For the Togolese government, intellectual property is a crucial concern for businesses.
It allows companies to protect their creations, including inventions, trademarks, and industrial designs, and to counter unfair competition.
According to the Minister of Commerce, Handicrafts, and Local Consumption, intellectual property should be a reflex for every business promoter, whether they are in the project, creation, or development phase, regardless of their size or sector. «Competitiveness based on intellectual property is a key strategic issue for sustainable business development and, consequently, for our countries because it enables the acquisition of strong positions in the markets».
Celebrated every September 13th, the anniversary of the founding of OAPI, this day was established in 1999 by the Conference of Heads of State and Government of the member countries of the African Union.
Yoann Amouzou
