Monrovia — The Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO), in collaboration with the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), has launched a three-day workshop aimed at fostering creativity and innovation among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Liberia. The event, themed “Fostering Creativity and Innovation for Economic Growth and Development in Africa,” seeks to unlock the transformative potential of intellectual property (IP) for local businesses.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Hon. Garmai Koboi, Director General of LIPO, highlighted the critical role of SMEs in Liberia’s economy as key drivers of job creation, innovation, and economic resilience. She emphasized the importance of intellectual property as a strategic tool for enhancing the competitiveness and market value of these businesses.
“SMEs are the backbone of Liberia’s economy, but for them to thrive in an increasingly competitive global market, they must understand the importance of embracing intellectual property as a cornerstone of their business strategies,” said Hon. Koboi. “By protecting and leveraging IP assets, such as trademarks, SMEs can safeguard their businesses and increase their market value.”
The workshop is part of LIPO’s broader initiative to support Liberian businesses in navigating the IP landscape. Hon. Koboi reiterated LIPO’s commitment not only to providing training but also to offering technical assistance to SME owners. This includes guidance on IP rights, application processes, protection, and enforcement.
Recognizing the financial challenges faced by many SMEs, LIPO has also made efforts to make IP protection more accessible by lowering registration fees. “Our aim is to ensure that every SME owner has the opportunity to protect their innovations and brands,” added Hon. Koboi.
The Director General encouraged participants to engage fully with the workshop’s content, noting that the knowledge and tools gained would empower them to leverage intellectual property as a strategic asset for their businesses.
The event was attended by a representative of the Minister of Commerce and Industry, along with distinguished guests from ARIPO and other key stakeholders. Hon. Koboi expressed her gratitude to ARIPO for their ongoing support and their role in promoting regional cooperation, ensuring that SMEs across Africa can protect their innovations and brands.
In her closing remarks, Hon. Koboi thanked Minister Mawine G. Diggs for her continued support in enhancing Liberia’s IP ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of such collaborations in driving economic growth and development through innovation.
The workshop will continue over the next two days, featuring sessions on various aspects of intellectual property, including its strategic use in business and the practical steps for IP registration and enforcement. Participants are expected to gain a deeper understanding of how to utilize intellectual property to fuel their business growth.
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