Registries in the news..again

South Africa - The Department of Trade and Industry is proceeding with plans to convert the Companies and Intellectual Property Registration Office (Cipro) into a self- standing commission. The department hopes the creation of a new structure will give added momentum to attempts to improve the functioning of Cipro and ensure that it fulfils the mandate of the new Companies Act, which will assign new educational, research and enforcement powers to the commission. Cipro’s strategic plan for the next few years — also tabled in Parliament last week — noted that one of the organisation’s key objectives was to ensure “quick, responsive and easy access” to services online as well as a possible reduction in fees for company registrations for small businesses. (Business Day).

Botswana - Intellectual property is key to economic development and other spheres of wealth creation. As such it remains crucial to the commercialisation of technology, development of science and trade in goods and services, said Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ms Banny Molosiwa. She was speaking at the official opening of the 33rd session of the Administration Council of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO) in Gaborone two days ago. BOPA

Afro Leo says that it is great to hear positive news about Cipro and would welcome further news about the Aripo conference in Gabarone.