By Mohamed Sheriff, Information Attaché, Geneva, Switzerland
Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening intellectual property (IP) as a driver of innovation, creativity, and economic growth during the 36th Session of a committee of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva.
In his remarks, Mr. Ibrahim Sam Johnson, Senior Registration Officer at the Office of the Administrator and Registrar-General, speaking on behalf of the Administrator and Registrar-General, Madam Martina Baindu Egbenda, congratulated the Chair and thanked the Secretariat for the preparation of the session.
He also aligned Sierra Leone’s position with the statement delivered by South Africa on behalf of the African Group.
At the international level, Sierra Leone highlighted its membership in key treaties, including the Patent Cooperation Treaty, as well as its participation in the Madrid Agreement and the Madrid Protocol, while also considering further accessions.
Domestically, the country reported progress through the enactment of the Patent and Industrial Designs Regulations and the Trademark Regulations of 2024, aimed at improving efficiency and clarity within the IP system.
Sierra Leone also highlighted ongoing efforts to establish a Collective Management Organization to strengthen copyright administration, alongside initiatives such as Intellectual Property School Clubs launched during World Intellectual Property Day to boost public awareness.
The delegation acknowledged WIPO’s technical support, including the rollout of the Intellectual Property Administration System (IPAS), and reaffirmed its commitment to developing a practical, inclusive, and development-oriented IP framework.
