WIPO organized the Sub-Regional Seminar on the Enforcement of Intellectual Property for Law Enforcement Officials for Selected English-Speaking Countries in Sub-Sahara Region in collaboration with Kenya's Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), with support from Funds-In-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global, in Nairobi, Kenya from November 3 to 5, 2025, bringing together law enforcement professionals from across Sub-Saharan Africa to enhance their capabilities in combating intellectual property crimes.
The seminar brought together 45participants, including prosecutors, police officers, customs officials, and IP enforcement specialists from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe, and aimed to enhance the institutional and human capacities of key stakeholders involved in the detection, investigation, and prosecution of intellectual property crimes. Participants engaged in comprehensive discussions on national and regional strategies for effective cooperation to address counterfeiting and IP infringement.
Key Program Highlights
The program opened with remarks from Dr Robi M. King'a, CEO, ACA; Mr. Edward Kwakwa, Assistant Director General, WIPO; H.E. Mr. Matsuura Hiroshi, Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of Japan to Kenya, Embassy of Japan to Kenya, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in IP enforcement.
The seminar covered diverse topics including IP infringement in the digital environment, the enforcement of IP rights at the border, and role of customs recordation. Participants also explored the storage and disposal of IP-infringing goods and learned about challenges and techniques in investigating and prosecuting IP crimes.
A standout feature of the seminar was the hands-on product identification training held on the final day, supported by the International Trademark Association (INTA). The session featured real product samples and practical demonstrations on distinguishing genuine goods from counterfeits, providing participants with immediately applicable skills for their enforcement work.
This capacity-building initiative is part of WIPO's broader commitment to strengthening IP enforcement across Sub-Saharan Africa. The emphasis on practical knowledge exchange and real-life experiences ensures that participants return to their respective countries better equipped to combat IP crimes effectively.