At a seminar on intellectual property, biotechnology, traditional knowledge and social issues held in Paris (13 - 14 November 2008) and co-organized by Sciences Po Paris and McGill University in Montreal, Charles Molinier (Head of Trademarks) of the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) was quoted as saying "The main problem facing developing countries is lack of knowledge on intellectual property. Some results of research conducted at universities or institutes are not patented. OAPI aims to promote knowledge in this field through training of scholars, researchers and lawyers so that intellectual property rights granted in these countries are strong, they attract foreign investment and they enforce the law effectively. OAPI hopes to develop partnerships with other IPOs." (Source IP-Watch : article in French)
Post script: one might expect an image search for "Paris" to bombard you with the Eiffel tower. Yet the majority of pictures are of the blonde celeb Paris Hilton. Not only is she edging out the French icon on google images, but a search of the South African Trade Mark Register reveals that she has acquired distinctiveness in class 3 under trade mark number 2007/29220, something that Elvis Presley could not do in the UK. Like her or loathe her that's pretty (hit me) astute for the 27 year old.
