Overview
Ethiopia is a contracting party to the convention establishing the world intellectual property organization. It is signatory to most IP-related multilateral treaties and regional economic integration treaties.
Copyright Office
- The Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office (EIPO) is the competent office responsible for copyright and related rights in Ethiopia.
- This office was formed in 2003.
- The office website is www.eipo.gov.et.
Industrial Property Office
- The EIPO is also responsible for the administration of intellectual property rights in Ethiopia.
- The office website is www.eipo.gov.et.
- The EIPO’s website appears useful but there is room for improvement.
- Key sections of the website lack content and among other things, a section dedicated to EIPO’s rules and procedures would be a great enhancement.
Social Media Presence
None
Comments and conclusion
Intellectual property might not be considered a priority for most African countries, especially those in the horn of Africa; however, Ethiopia has embraced IP and made effective use of it. This is indeed significant that intellectual property can become a vital tool for growth and sustainable development for African countries.
Established in 2004, the Ethiopian Coffee Trademarking and Licensing Initiative (ECTLI) is a fantastic commercialisation project aimed at ensuring a win-win solution for all stakeholders -- including Ethiopian coffee farmers. Although funding is a necessity, without dedicated legal technical assistance, projects like these often fail. Therefore, it is crucial that law and IP-oriented organisations firms (as part of their pro bono and/or CSR schemes) emulate the likes of Arnold & Porter LLP and Light Years IP in supporting beneficial intellectual property regimes in Africa.
For more details on the ECTLI, visit www.ethiopiancoffeenetwork.com
Kingsley tweets as @IPinAfrica
