The Director General of the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO), Madam Garmai Koboi, has unveiled a series of groundbreaking efforts to raise public awareness about intellectual property rights across Liberia.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism’s (MICAT) regular press briefing, Madam Koboi highlighted the success of recent campaigns and plans for future initiatives.
According to Madam Koboi, outreach activities conducted in Nimba and Grand Bassa Counties educated residents on the critical importance of protecting intellectual property.
“These awareness campaigns were necessary to help people recognize the benefits of protecting their creative works and innovations,” she stated.
In an effort to bolster enforcement of intellectual property laws, Madam Koboi revealed that LIPO is set to train 100 officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) on intellectual property enforcement.
This collaboration will extend to the Police Training Academy, which has requested the integration of intellectual property education into its curriculum.
“This partnership with the LNP represents a significant step forward in addressing intellectual property violations and ensuring compliance with established laws,” she emphasized.
The awareness campaign has included both in-person and mass media efforts, resulting in an impressive reach.
LIPO distributed over 5,000 brochures and flyers in markets, educational institutions, and public offices, offering practical advice on intellectual property rights in accessible language.
Simultaneously, radio interviews aired across local stations reached an estimated audience of over 100,000 people.
Preliminary feedback suggests a significant improvement in public understanding of intellectual property concepts.
Businesses have begun inquiring about trademark registration, while creative artists seek guidance on copyright processes.
Educational institutions have requested additional collaborations, underscoring a growing interest in intellectual property education.
Madam Koboi noted that these campaigns are fostering a culture of innovation and compliance among Liberians.
“The increased demand for intellectual property materials and consultations indicates that we are not only meeting but surpassing our targets,” she said.
A formal impact assessment is forthcoming, but initial estimates indicate that over 200,000 individuals have been reached through combined in-person and digital efforts.
The campaign’s success is seen as a pivotal step toward advancing creativity and innovation in Liberia.
LIPO’s commitment to empowering Liberians with knowledge of intellectual property rights remains unwavering.
Through strategic partnerships and ongoing education, the institution aims to cultivate an environment that values and protects innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities across the nation.
