Maretha International Prep launches IP Day to boost student awareness

Published: December 19, 2025

MONROVIA — Maretha International Preparatory School on Thursday launched its Intellectual Property Day, kicking off a series of activities aimed at educating students on protecting their ideas and creative works.

Speaking at the campus-based awareness program, the school’s Intellectual Property Ambassador, Lomenie Kollie, said intellectual property education has empowered students by helping them understand their rights as young creators.

“Intellectual property education has helped our students know that they have somewhere to turn when they need to protect their ideas and creations,” Kollie said.

She explained that registering creative works with the Liberia Intellectual Property Office helps prevent infringement and unlawful use. “Once students register their work with LIPO, no one can simply infringe on or take advantage of their creations,” she added.

Kollie also urged the government to strengthen intellectual property awareness nationwide, particularly in schools, by integrating IP education into academic curricula.

Clarence Cole, deputy director of the Liberia Intellectual Property Office, described the occasion as historic and pledged the agency’s support to the school’s initiative.

“To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time a school-based IP Club is officially launching its activities on its own campus,” Cole said. He noted that the club will help prepare young musicians, artists and inventors by equipping them with practical knowledge of intellectual property rights.

Also addressing the program, Maretha International Preparatory School Administrator David Lafayette described the launch as a milestone for the institution.

“We are very happy as a school to launch this Intellectual Property Day because it reflects our commitment to developing our students’ talents beyond the classroom,” Lafayette said.

He noted that several students are already producing music and other creative content used during school programs and events, and encouraged other schools to support and protect student creativity as a way of preparing young people to contribute meaningfully to society.