Increasing Use and Understanding of Intellectual Property

Wide recognition of the importance of IP rights to the knowledge sector, and hence to economic development, has led to the production of a vast amount of information materials about intellectual property. IP Offices, non-governmental organisations and lawyers all publish information in print or their websites which explains the protection afforded by different IP rights. The provision of this sort of information is a basic component of any outreach campaign aimed at increasing understanding and use of the IP system.

Highlighting specific benefits. Simply explaining what IP rights are, however, is not enough to make the members of a target audience start using the system. Target audiences need to be shown exactly how using the IP system can benefit them and meet specific needs. Highlighting the benefits for specific users is therefore the second stage in a communications campaign to promote the use of the IP system. Since the various tools of the IP system work differently and benefit different groups, it is essential in this second stage that communications initiatives are developed with a well defined target group in mind.

How to use it. Once members of a target group understand how the IP system works and how it can address their specific needs, they need to understand how to use it. At this stage of a communications campaign, the materials produced and events organized are increasingly detailed and technical and, again, focused on the target audience. Outreach activities at this point may concentrate on events such as practical seminars/workshops; or on technical “how to” guides.