Published: November 12, 2024
Monrovia — History was made in Liberia on Monday as the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) hosted the country’s inaugural Intellectual Property High School Club Competition at Monrovia City Hall. The event, which gathered dignitaries, students, educators, and officials from various ministries, marks a significant step in raising awareness of intellectual property (IP) rights among Liberia’s youth.
The competition brought together high school students from across Monrovia, challenging them to demonstrate their understanding of IP concepts and their relevance to Liberia’s intellectual and creative development. William V. S. Tubman High School took first place, winning a $1,000 cash prize, while Spiritan Academy and Maretha Preparatory High School earned second and third places, receiving $700 and $500, respectively. Innovation Preparatory International Academy and St. Teresa Convent Catholic High School were also among the finalists in this groundbreaking event.
The event opened with remarks from LIPO’s Director General, Garmai Koboi, who emphasized the transformative potential of IP education for Liberia’s youth. “Today’s event is not just a competition but a spark that will illuminate the future of our country’s intellectual and creative landscape,” said Koboi, praising the dedication of the students. She encouraged them to view IP rights as essential tools for sustainable development and as catalysts for fostering innovation and creativity within their communities.
The competition featured projects developed by student IP Clubs, including presentations, role plays, and quizzes on topics such as copyright, related rights, and trademarks. Through these activities, students gained insights into how IP rights can support Liberia’s economic and social development.
A distinguished panel of judges evaluated the students’ presentations. The panel included IP law expert Cllr. Philip Kangar, Secretary General of the Musicians Union of Liberia Zubin Cooper, and IP lawyer Cllr. Fanta Barclay, who served as the head judge. They commended the participants for their impressive preparation, enthusiasm, and depth of knowledge.
Director General Koboi expressed LIPO’s gratitude to the event’s sponsors, particularly the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), whose support was instrumental in making the competition possible and fostering the next generation of Liberian innovators and creators.
This first IP High School Club Competition is seen as a promising step toward integrating IP education in Liberia’s schools, equipping students with the knowledge to protect and commercialize their creative ideas. It is hoped that events like these will inspire a culture of innovation among Liberia’s youth, laying a strong foundation for the country’s future in the global knowledge economy.
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