By Maimuna Sey Jawo
The Ministry of Justice in partnership with Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has launched an Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy 2018- 2023 during the annual celebration of world Intellectual Day, held at the Chamber Hall in Bijilo.
The laws seek to encourage innovation and to provide incentives for innovation by granting protection to inventors that will allow them to recover research and development investment and reap the benefits of their inventions for a limited period of time.
Speaking at the launching, Gambia Attorney General and Minister of Justice Honorablel Dawda A Jallow said the annual celebration is meant to bring together partners, organizations and creators around the globe to create greater awareness and visibility on the values and utilization of Intellectual Property.
“This year’s theme as resolved by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is “Intellectual Property and SMES Taking your Ideas to the Market,” he said.
The theme according to him was predicated on the fact that every business, no matter how big, it was first generated by an idea from the intellect, before eventually flourishing in the market, saying it is not a coincidence that this year’s celebration is being held at the GCCI which has one of the largest membership of SMEs in the country.
“SMEs are today undoubtedly the drive of change and growth on the Africa Continent; they make up the bulk of Africa’s economy contributing to more than 90% of business and employing 60% of workers. In our own local context, SMEs contribute to 20% of GDP and employs an estimated 60% of the urban workforce,” he disclosed.
More so, he said the Government has over the years put in appropriate legal frameworks and strategies, all geared towards building the entrepreneurial capacity of SMEs, increasing access to capital and supporting creativity and innovation.
Alieu Jallow said, in a rapidly growing Intellectual Property market, it is important for SMEs to utilize intellectual property ownership and licensing. Owing instinctual property protects businesses from others using something identical or similar to their creation, brand or product, and can also create new sources of revenue should they desire to license their goods or services out to third parties.
For his part, Alieu Kolly, Registrar General, said Intellectual Property day celebration started over a decade ago by WIPO, THE Gambia as a member state of WIPO since 10th December 1980 has been celebrating this day each year in our own unique way.
Sarata Konateh Director of Business Development at GCCI also spoke at the event, commended the Ministry of Justice for partnering with them and assured further support and collaboration all the time.