The Director General of the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO), Garrmai Koboi, has highlighted the significant achievements her administration has made in advancing intellectual property (IP) rights in Liberia.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT), Koboi emphasized the role of intellectual property in fostering creativity, innovation, and economic development, in line with President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s ARREST Agenda.
Koboi underscored that intellectual property is integral to the nation’s socio-economic growth, particularly in a world increasingly driven by knowledge and innovation.
LIPO Director said they are taking proactive steps to empower small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), creative industries, and researchers efforts aimed at boosting economic prosperity and creating jobs across Liberia.
As part of these initiatives, LIPO has launched a three-month national intellectual property awareness campaign to educate Liberians about the importance of IP rights.
The campaign, which covers key counties, including Montserrado and Grand Bassa, features outreach programs, an influencer-driven initiative, and a weekly radio show, titled, “Intellectual Property Hour”, on JoyFM in Monrovia.
“This campaign has allowed us to directly engage with grassroots communities, including musicians, authors, entrepreneurs, and inventors, offering them the education they need to protect their creative work,” Koboi said, highlighting its importance in building a robust IP culture in Liberia.
Koboi disclosed that LIPO has also collaborated with the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) to train more than 200 SMEs in intellectual property asset management.
She noted that the training equips businesses with the tools to protect and leverage their IP assets, supporting the ARREST Agenda’s goal of economic revival. “SMEs are the backbone of our economy, and through IP rights we empower them to enhance their competitiveness,” she added.
Among other achievements, LIPO launched the Intellectual Property High School Clubs Initiative in Montserrado County. This program encourages innovation among young Liberians, and includes a national IP competition, with the winning school earning the opportunity to represent Liberia in regional competitions.
“This initiative is about building a foundation for sustained growth and innovation, key to President Boakai’s vision for empowering the youth,” Koboi emphasized.
Further demonstrating its commitment to fostering local industries, she said LIPO has provided office space to the Manufacturing Union of Liberia, streamlining operations for local manufacturers.
Additionally, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed with the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) to establish a technology and innovation support center (TISC), aimed at fostering agricultural innovation.
LIPO’s partnership with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) also led to the graduation of 30 SMEs from a six-month IP management clinic. This initiative was designed to train SMEs on IP protection, commercialization and enforcement.
In another significant development, LIPO is involved in the on-going Accessible Books Consortium (ABC) project with WIPO, aimed at increasing the availability of books in accessible formats for the blind and visually impaired, promoting inclusivity in access to knowledge.
Looking ahead, Koboi outlined plans for a partnership with the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) to combat piracy and IP theft. LIPO also intends to launch the Women and Youth IP Project and the second phase of the IP Management Clinic, furthering IP knowledge and protection among Liberian businesses.
Reaffirming LIPO’s commitment to innovation, Koboi stated, “We will continue to build a robust IP system that supports economic growth, cultural enrichment, and technological advancement in Liberia.”
These initiatives are regarded as critical to advancing President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, with the ultimate aim of positioning Liberia as a hub of creativity, innovation, and opportunity within Africa.
