'IP for an Emerging Africa' is the theme of a three-day
conference scheduled for November 3 – 5, 2015 in
Dakar, Senegal. The event is jointly organised by the Japan Patent Office and
WIPO, in cooperation with the African Union and the Government of the Republic
of Senegal. [Says Afro Leo: “Those following the progress of African countries
in the Global
Innovation Index will notice that the host has done well, again,
alongside Mauritius and South Africa.”]
It is packed with
sessions discussing, among other things, how to create a balanced IP regime
which enables innovation; the role of the patent system; modernising IPOffices; R&D and IP; and the creative industries.
Special guests and panellists include:
- Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the Africa Union Commission;
- Kunihiko Shimano, Director-General, Trial and Appeal Department of the Japan Patent Office;
- H.E. Mr. Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal;
- H. E. Mrs. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, President of the Republic of Mauritius;
- Francis Gurry, Director General of WIPO;
- Martial De Paul Ikounga, Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology at the African Union; and
- Catherine A. Odora-Hoppers, Professor at the University of South Africa.
[Afro Leo thinks this is the sort of gathering where one may get the latest on the Pan-Africa Intellectual Property Office (PAIPO)]
This Leo also recognises Nicola Searle (the Katonomist),
who will be moderating a panel discussion on capturing value through IP in the
fashion design industry. He must say that Nicola gave him the idea behind an Africa creative industries event in London two years ago.
There might still be places left, if you would like to attend. Afro Leo would welcome feedback or IP-related gossip from anyone attending.
