The Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) has dedicated the first-ever office of the newly established Manufacturer Union of Liberia. This landmark initiative is part of LIPO’s on-going commitment to significantly enhance the understanding of intellectual property (IP) among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country.
The office, which is hosted within LIPO at the old Labor Ministry Building, UN Drive, will serve as a one-stop shop to facilitate and streamline intellectual property knowledge among SME owners—ensuring that they are well-informed and equipped to manage their intellectual property effectively.
According to Garmai Koboi, LIPO Director General, the collaboration with the Manufacturer Union is geared towards building and enhancing the capacity of local businesses to protect and understand the economics of intellectual property, thereby promoting growth and competitiveness.
“This project is a crucial part of our broader awareness plan to educate SMEs on the importance of intellectual property rights and their integration into business strategies,” Koboi said in a release. “Our goal is to create an informed SME sector that understands and leverages IP for sustainable growth.
“By dedicating this office space to the Manufacturer Union of Liberia, we are demonstrating our commitment to fostering a conducive environment for the growth and success of our local manufacturing sector. We believe that through collaboration and partnership we can drive innovation and economic development in Liberia,” Koboi added.
The establishment of this office marks a significant milestone in Koboi’s on-going effort to strengthen Liberia’s intellectual property ecosystem. The provision of office space, according to LIPO, is also intended to empower the Manufacturer Union to lead the charge in intellectual property education and management among its members.
The President of the Manufacturer Union of Liberia, Newton S. Woyeh, Sr., noted that the technical support provided by LIPO signifies a new chapter, “as the space enables the union to better serve its members by providing essential IP knowledge and resources”.
This collaboration, Woyeh said, is a game-changer for the manufacturing sector in Liberia and, with LIPO’s guidance, “our members can now navigate the complexities of intellectual property with confidence, ensuring their innovations are well-protected and their businesses thrive”.