Africa: Intellectual Property

The House of Representatives has launched an official investigation into alleged irregularities in the administration of copyright matters in Nigeria. The motion, sponsored by Hon. Nkemkanma Kama, representing Ohaozara, Onicha, and Ivo Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State, followed sustained protests by the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) and a broad coalition of musicians, authors, composers, and other copyright owners, alleging that a scheme had been used to divert funds away from rightful copyright owners.

A recent High Court judgment clarifies a critical misconception in copyright law: believing you have permission to use protected work is not the same as believing no copyright exists. This distinction has significant implications for businesses that routinely download and use photographs found online, assuming they are free to use simply because they are widely accessible.

Mobile applications represent significant business investments comprising multiple forms of intellectual property, yet the underlying IP rights are frequently overlooked. Understanding how copyright, trade marks, design rights and patents interact in the mobile app context is essential to avoid ownership disputes, commercialisation restrictions and avoidable legal risk.

Securing intellectual property rights in Uzbekistan requires navigating a complex legal framework from initial patent search through final registration. This comprehensive guide walks through each critical stage of the patenting process, including examination procedures, documentation requirements, and the 2025 changes to government fee structures that affect applicants differently based on their category.

A strong brand requires years of investment in advertising, packaging, and reputation, yet competitors can easily adopt similar designations to benefit from another's recognition. Understanding the legal framework for trademark registration in Uzbekistan provides business owners with the tools to establish exclusive ownership and protect their commercially valuable designations from unauthorized use.

The statutory basis of the 6th August 2026 executive order, what it replaces, what it preserves, where discretion still sits, and why it matters to investors, lenders, and project sponsors.

Senegal's Madd from Casamance and Cameroon's Penja Pepper have achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first geographical indications from the OAPI region to receive international registration under the Lisbon System. This development opens new pathways for protecting and commercially leveraging Africa's distinctive regional products in international trade.

OAPI rejected Agence France-Presse's opposition against the "AFO + Logo" mark, finding that similarities between the signs were insufficient to create a likelihood of confusion despite overlapping service classes. The decision provides insight into OAPI's approach to trademark opposition and remains subject to appeal.

South African law enables trade mark owners to challenge conflicting company names immediately upon registration, long before any actual trading occurs. Understanding the interaction between the Companies Act and Trade Marks Act reveals how early intervention can prevent brand confusion, protect market position, and avoid costly enforcement battles down the line.

Kenya's Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry has published a draft National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy that proposes sweeping reforms to the country's IP ecosystem. The policy introduces new legislation for geographical indications and trade secrets, establishes specialized IP courts, and addresses emerging technologies including AI-generated works and blockchain applications.

Cape Verde has introduced a modernised Industrial Property Code that brings significant changes to the country's intellectual property framework.

A South African court has delivered a decisive ruling on the limits of post-employment competition, finding that two senior employees unlawfully used their former employer's proprietary software, client relationships, and confidential information to launch a competing business. The judgment reinforces that fiduciary duties can extend beyond employment termination and that building a business on a former employer's investment constitutes unlawful springboarding rather than legitimate entrepreneurship.