New Entrepreneurs Equipped with Skills on Intellectual Property Protection at WIPO Workshop
New and upcoming entrepreneurs were given vital tools and knowledge on how to register and protect their businesses during the second day of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) sub-regional workshop. The event, hosted by Lesotho through the office of the Registrar General with support from the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO), focused on educating entrepreneurs about the importance of owning and protecting Intellectual Property (IP) rights.
The workshop highlighted the significant competitive advantages that businesses can gain by registering and securing their intellectual property. Entrepreneurs were informed that IP can be licensed, sold, or even used as an attractive tool to draw investors, creating additional revenue streams and increasing the potential for growth and success.
Ms. Odireleng Keipopele, an Examiner at ARIPO, emphasized the critical role of IP protection in stimulating innovation. She explained that the ability to safeguard their intellectual property rights encourages individuals and businesses to develop new products, art, and technologies. By ensuring creators can benefit from their ideas, the protection of IP rights ultimately motivates continued progress and innovation.
“Protecting intellectual property rights is key to fostering creativity and innovation,” said Keipopele. “When individuals and businesses know their ideas are safeguarded, they are more likely to invest in developing new and exciting products and services.”
The WIPO workshop provided entrepreneurs with valuable insights on how to navigate the complex processes of registering and protecting their intellectual property. By doing so, business owners can secure their innovations and ensure they are positioned to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
As the workshop continued, participants left with a stronger understanding of how IP protection can serve as a cornerstone for their businesses, empowering them to grow and succeed in the global economy.
