The Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) says it is embarking on the conduct of a three-month awareness across the country to ensure people understand the rights to intellectual property. Speaking Thursday, September 24, 2024, the Director General of LIPO Garmai Koboi said the awareness campaign represents a critical effort by the Government of Liberia to educate and sensitize the Liberian populace about the significance of intellectual property rights.
She said the campaign is taking a multifaceted approach, involving outreach programs in three counties, an influencer-driven campaign, and a weekly radio segment titled the “Intellectual Property Hour.”
Outreach efforts which have so far engaged communities in Montserrado County and Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, have allowed LIPO to directly interact with Liberians, including musicians, authors, entrepreneurs, and inventors, at the grassroots level, providing them with the education and understanding necessary to protect their creative works and innovations while respecting intellectual property rights.
Additionally, she said the second component of this campaign- the influencer campaign, is geared towards leveraging celebrity personalities across various sectors to amplify Liberia’s intellectual property awareness message to a broader audience, especially the youth.
These influencers, she said, have helped break down the complexities of intellectual property into understandable and clear content, inspiring future generations to take an interest in protecting their creativity and innovations.
Moreover, the “Intellectual Property Hour” radio show on Joy FM every Friday at 4:00 PM has become a flagship educational tool, creating a platform where experts discuss issues, share success stories, and answer questions from the public.
According to Koboi, the significance of these campaigns lies in the fact that awareness is the foundation upon which a strong intellectual property culture is built. Therefore, by reaching out to the grassroots level, it will ensure that every Liberian understands the value of protecting their creations.
She said these initiatives are not just about fulfilling its mission; they are about contributing to President Boakai’s vision of an enlightened society that can harness its creative potential for national development.
Kobio said the entity has trained Over 200 Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Intellectual Property Asset Management in Collaboration with the Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO). She said this training was designed to equip SMEs with the knowledge and skills to identify, protect, and leverage their IP assets as part of their business strategy.
“Given that SMEs are the backbone of our economy, this initiative was of utmost importance and is a direct response to the ARREST Agenda’s focus on economic revival” she said.
By Lucky M. McGee, Cub Reporter
