Rwanda gets pointers on intellectual rights

PROTECTION: Toso (left) said Geographical Indication can act as a certification for certain products. COURTESY PICTURE

KIGALI, Rwanda - The trade and industry ministry (MINICOM) together with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) last week organized a workshop on how individuals and companies can protect their creativity in the market place.

“This workshop aims at increasing knowledge and awareness among Rwandan SMEs on the importance of intellectual property rights as well as geographical indications,” Emmanuel Hategeka, the MINICOM Permanent Secretary said.

Participants from Small and Medium Enterprises and government officials involved in intellectual property rights discussed the issue.

Of special importance was Geographical Indication (GI) which is something new in Rwanda.

Francesca Toso, a Representative from WIPO said GI is used on certain products that correspond to a specific geographical location or origin such as a town, region, or country.

“The use of Geographical Indication therefore may act as a certification that the product possesses certain qualities, is made according to traditional methods, or enjoys a certain reputation, due to its geographical origin,” she said.

She said in terms of legal instruments there has been a series of international treaties and national laws protecting GI, operations of origin and indication of source. The degree of protection there is depends on the instrument that is applied.

Hategeka said SMEs in Rwanda play a vital role to development and are considered to be the backbone of the economy.

In a recent census, it was found 98% of all companies in the country are SMEs and these account for 41% of all private sector employment.

“This therefore demonstrates the critical importance of SMEs to the national economy in terms of job creation, social prosperity, and sustainable development,” Hategeka said.

Hategeka said intellectual property creates a new kind of trust and stability in commercial relationships and is a risk reduction and empowering tool for business success.

He said, “Rwanda therefore as a competitor in regional and global market places is obliged to maximize and develop its intellectual assets as an effective and strategic tool for economic, cultural and technological advancement.”

Rwandans have continued to develop some intellectual property.

He said this is why they are requested to always register such property to avoid any piracy that might arise. “Ministry of Trade and Industry and its sister institutions therefore will continue to put efforts in protection and promotion of intellectual property rights in Rwanda,” Hategeka said.

By Agnes Bateta, Monday, August 25th, 2014


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