AfrIPI, the first-ever African cooperation project focusing on Intellectual Property Rights, is an international cooperation project funded and directed by the European Union, co-funded and implemented by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). It has an initial duration of 4 years starting from February 2020.
Partners of AfrIPI project include the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), the Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle (OAPI), the African Union Commission (AUC), the European Commission and the EUIPO.
On September 7th, AfrIPI held its inaugural Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting. AfrIPI has approved its master plan and annual plans, where the project will enhance the protection and promotion of IP Rights in Africa and contribute to economies, trade, and business in the region.
Among other activities, AfrIPI will support the registration of geographical indications (GIs) in Africa and the EU, develop IP guidelines for OAPI and ARIPO member states, and train IP examiners on international frameworks such as The Hague Agreement.
AfrIPI will reinforce the cooperation of the EU and Africa to further implement all IP-related aspects of AfCFTA.
Reference materials:
AfrIPI (www.afripi.org)
EUIPO (https://euipo.europa.eu/ohimportal/en/news/-/action/view/5969364)
