Nigerian Law Intellectual Property Watch

Tech and Startups

PART 1: Frequently Asked Questions about NAFDAC

I wish to register a product with NAFDAC – Where do I start? The first step will be to purchase the application form from NAFDAC and review the applicable guidelines or regulations. You may want [...]
Patents

Facebook’s New Tool to Prevent Abuse of Profile Pictures

Yesterday, Facebook announced that it is piloting a new tool that will give people more control over who can download and share their profile pictures. The pilot program will kick off in India. The company [...]
Tech and Startups

Model Sues Kenya Airways for Use of Image

A Kenyan woman, Purity Njogu, has reportedly filed a suit against Kenya Airways to protest against the company’s continued use of her photos. Also included as defendants in the suit is Scan Group Limited, an [...]
Copyright

Release of Global Innovation Index 2017

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in collaboration with Cornell University, INSEAD and a host of other partners recently released the 10th Edition of the Global Innovation Index. The Global Innovation Index 2017 ranks the innovation [...]
Anti-Counterfeiting

Nigeria: SON, DSS Apprehend Producers of Substandard Vegetable Oil in Ondo State

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria while partnering with the Department of State Services (DSS) in Ondo State has arrested a syndicate that specializes in repackaging and re-branding of substandard vegetable oil in Akure, Ondo State. During a [...]
Tech and Startups

Interesting Reads: Paper on Maker Movement in Gauteng Province, South Africa

Our Editorial Team have been reviewing a number of working papers, books, and research articles with the goal of updating the NLIPW Electronic Library. We recently came across a number of working papers on the [...]
FACTS ABOUT NIGERIA

Getting the Trademark Registration Certificate in Nigeria

Anyone who has filed a trademark application in Nigeria will tell you that completing the process and obtaining the trademark registration certificate can often be very tasking. During the process, you may find yourself playing the [...]

Getting the Trademark Registration Certificate in Nigeria

June 18, 2017

Anyone who has filed a trademark application in Nigeria will tell you that completing the process and obtaining the trademark registration certificate can often be very tasking. During the process, you may find yourself playing the […]

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U.S. Trademarks: When to File a Section 8 Declaration

June 16, 2017

In order for a trademark registration to remain valid, the owner of the trademark must file a Declaration of Continued Use or Excusable Nonuse (“Declaration of Continued Use”) with the United States Patent and Trademark […]

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Plagiarism, Lack of Data, and Nigeria’s Attitude Towards Intellectual Property Rights

June 15, 2017

Respect for property, rights, and life is the hallmark of civilization. As a corollary, lack of respect for the trio also denotes primitivity, backwardness, and underdevelopment. Property can be tangible or intangible. Our interest in […]

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Nigeria: Senate Passes Customs Service Management Bill

June 1, 2017

The Senate has passed the Nigerian Customs Service Management Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2017. According to a report by The Nation Newspaper, the passage of the bill followed a clause by clause consideration of […]

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Calabar Carnival Case Update: First Witness Called

June 1, 2017

On Wednesday, May 24, trial finally commenced at the Federal High Court Calabar in the copyright Infringement case brought by Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) against the Calabar Carnival Commission, Governor of Cross River State […]

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Update: Trial Continues in Copyright Infringement Suit against Lagos Oriental Hotel

May 31, 2017

On Monday, May 22, trial continued in the copyright infringement suit brought by Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) against Lagos Oriental Hotel and Mr. Philip Speilhage, General Manager of the organization. The case (Suit No. […]

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Facebook’s New Tool to Prevent Abuse of Profile Pictures

June 22, 2017

Yesterday, Facebook announced that it is piloting a new tool that will give people more control over who can download and share their profile pictures. The pilot program will kick off in India. The company [...]
Model Sues Kenya Airways for Use of Image

June 22, 2017

A Kenyan woman, Purity Njogu, has reportedly filed a suit against Kenya Airways to protest against the company’s continued use of her photos. Also included as defendants in the suit is Scan Group Limited, an [...]
Interesting Reads: Paper on Maker Movement in Gauteng Province, South Africa

June 19, 2017

Our Editorial Team have been reviewing a number of working papers, books, and research articles with the goal of updating the NLIPW Electronic Library. We recently came across a number of working papers on the [...]

Nigeria: N250m Suit filed against Macmillan Publishing Company

June 18, 2017

According to a news report, a Canada based Nigerian author, Paulicap Okechukwu Okekeda (the Plaintiff) has filed a N250 million suit against Macmillan Publishing Company Nigeria Limited and Universal Basic Education Commission for alleged copyright infringement. [...]
Prominent IP Lawyer Set to Launch Foundation for Creators

May 31, 2017

Prominent intellectual property rights lawyer, Barrister Rockson Igelige will on Thursday, June 1 mark his birthday celebration by hosting a guest lecture and unveiling a non-profit organization for creators, Friends of the Creator Foundation (FCF). The event [...]
Singapore’s IP Office Launches Innovation Fund

May 3, 2017

The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) recently launched a S$1 billion ($716.6 million) innovation fund with private equity firm Makara Capital. Called the Makara Innovation Fund (MIF), it will target high-growth companies with strong IP [...]

Release of Global Innovation Index 2017

June 20, 2017

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in collaboration with Cornell University, INSEAD and a host of other partners recently released the 10th Edition of the Global Innovation Index. The Global Innovation Index 2017 ranks the innovation [...]
South Africa: Last Day to Comment on Copyright Amendment Bill

June 18, 2017

In May, South Africa released the 2017 Copyright Amendment Bill for public comments. The Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry invited interested individuals and stakeholders to submit written comments on the Copyright Amendment Bill [B13-2017]. The [...]
WIPO Releases Two New Publications on Traditional Knowledge

June 18, 2017

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) recently released two new public resources on intellectual property and genetic resources, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions, including the Organization’s first-ever practical guide specifically for indigenous peoples and local communities. [...]
Call for Submissions: Internet Policy Review

June 6, 2017

The peer-reviewed journal of Internet policy in Europe is seeking submissions of 6000-8000 words on topics of relevance to the regulation of digital communication technologies. The journal, which is edited in partnership between Alexander von [...]
Namibia Passes Bill on Use of Genetic Resources

June 2, 2017

The National Assembly in Namibia recently passed the Access and Benefit Sharing and Associated Traditional Knowledge Bill. The bill which seeks to regulate the use of genetic resources and related traditional knowledge in the country. [...]