PCT Regional Seminar: Botswana
October 2, 2019
A Regional Seminar on the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) took place in Gaborone, Botswana from September 10 to 12, 2019. The workshop was organized by WIPO, in cooperation with the Japan Patent Office (JPO), the Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA), and the African Regional Intellectual property Organization (ARIPO).
A total of 11 African States participated in the Seminar namely: Botswana, The Gambia, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe.
The Registrar-General of Botswana, Mr. Conductor Paul Masena, delivered the opening speech. He acknowledged the important role that IP can play in building a knowledge-based economy in Botswana. Although there is still a lot of awareness raising activities yet to be carried out, Botswana is already cooperating with both WIPO and ARIPO on several IP outreach activities.
One of the Speakers, Mr. Chifwayi Chirambo, highlighted the following IP infrastructural deficiencies/ challenges that are facing most of the small offices in Africa:
- Poor and ineffective IP administration and management infrastructure.
- Little or no linkage between research institutions and private corporate capital to promote the commercialization of research results.
- Poor internet connectivity affecting access to technological information which is invaluable in research activities.
- Limited human and financial resources.
- A general inadequate appreciation of IP at all levels of society.
Participants agreed on the urgency of utilizing both the PCT and the Harare Protocol in order to increase filings, the need for a conducive environment including legislative framework, as well as more activities where offices can share their experience. Future activities should include patent drafting and more PCT case studies especially on commercialization from the perspective of developing countries.
The Seminar was sponsored by the Government of Japan through WIPO Japan Funds-in-Trust. Mr. Shingo Tsuda, Deputy Director, International Cooperation Division, Japan Patent Office, represented the Government of Japan. WIPO was represented by Mr. Ken-Ichiro Natsume, Senior Director, PCT Legal and International Affairs Department and Ms. ‘Nyalleng Pii, Senior Program Officer. Mr. Saed Ramadhan, Senior Examiner, represented ARIPO.
