Africa Commercial Intellectual Property & Data Privacy

Recognising the critical role of Intellectual Property and data protection in driving growth, innovation, and reputation, we adopt a cross-functional approach that combines deep IP expertise with robust corporate and commercial law capabilities. This enables us to serve clients across various business phases. Our expertise spans entrepreneurs, creatives, corporates, investors, and technology-driven businesses in multiple sectors, including media, entertainment, fintech, healthcare, retail, and telecommunications.

1. IP Advisory and Transactions 

   We deliver comprehensive advisory services on intellectual property rights covering ownership, scope, enforceability, and transfer. . We advise on complex commercial arrangements and IP-driven transactions, providing legal guidance on structuring collaborations and joint ventures involving proprietary rights. We support clients in executing strategic IP transactions, protecting their legal interests and aligning commercial outcomes with business objectives. 

2. Agreements and Contract Drafting 

   Our team drafts and reviews various intellectual property-related agreements, including trademark, patent, and copyright licensing and assignment agreements; technology-related contracts such as software development and SaaS agreements; and entertainment contracts for music, film, and content production. We also advise on employment contracts and staff handbooks, ensuring clear IP ownership provisions regarding content created by employees or contractors. Additionally, we draft non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), non-compete clauses, and non-circumvent agreements to protect sensitive business and creative interests.

3. IP Audit and Due Diligence 

   We help clients maximise the value of their intellectual property through comprehensive audits and due diligence reviews. Whether you are preparing for investments, navigating transactions, or optimizing IP portfolios, our team provides clarity and actionable insights. We assess IP ownership, protection, commercial use, and risk exposure., offering practical recommendations to alignIP assets with business goals. In transactions like mergers, acquisitions, or technology transfers, we conduct thorough due diligence on IP rights, and supportdocumentation review, , enabling informed decision-making.

4. IP Strategy, Valuation and Commercialisation

   We help clients develop and execute strategies to protect and commercially exploit their intellectual property. Our services include advising on monetisation models, licensing frameworks, and joint development arrangements, as well as supporting IP valuation for business planning, investment, securitisation, or sale. Our aim is to unlock the economic value of clients’ intangible assets and integrate IP as a revenue-generating component of their business strategy. 
   

5. IP Rights Clearance and Advertising Advisory 

   We offer IP clearance services for trademarks, copyright works, designs, advertising materials, and audiovisual content, helping clients mitigate infringement risks when launching new products, marketing campaigns, or creative projects. We also offer  legal advisory services on compliance with advertising laws, media regulations, and content standards, supporting clients in navigating consumer protection, endorsements, digital media, and public communications regulations.
   

6. Franchising and Brand Expansion 

   Our team advises on structuring and implementing franchising models across African markets, guiding clients through legal and regulatory requirements. We prepare essential documentationincluding franchise agreements, disclosure documents, and operations manuals. Additionally, we support compliance efforts and help establish legally sound and operationally sustainable franchise systems.
   

7. Data Protection and Privacy Compliance 

   As data protection and privacy regulations evolve across Africa, we help clients in develop practical, future-ready data governance strategies that balance legal obligations and commercial realities. Our services span the full spectrum of data protection needs, including detailed data audits, risk exposure assessments,  and drafting/reviewing key compliance documents, such as privacy policies, data processing agreements, IT and data breach response policies, intra-group data sharing contracts, and cross-border data transfer arrangements. 

   
   We provide clear guidance on lawful data collection and third-party processing, advise on employee data management practices, and help establishrobust breach notification procedures. We also facilitateregulatory engagement, including client registration with national data protection authorities, managing regulator communications, and representing clients during regulatory reviews, investigations, or enforcement actions.

   
   Recognising that compliance relies on the people who implement it, we offer tailored training sessions and awareness programmes to build internal capacity and ensure staff understand their data protection responsibilities. With a focus on cross-border data flows, a critical issue for multi-jurisdictional businesses,we help clients design data strategies that enable seamless, lawful transfers while minimising regulatory risk

Africa Commercial IP & Data Privacy 

• Africa-wide Product Compliance: We advised one of the world’s largest OEMs on AI and data protection law compliance across Africa for the deployment of AI-enabled services via mobile devices. 

• IP Valuation for Security Outfit:  We conducted a comprehensive valuation of software and digital assets for a leading African security company, assessing IP worth and ownership. 

• IP Audits:  We conducted intellectual property audits for telecoms, fintech, and edu-tech companies in Nigeria and other African markets, supporting commercialisation and investment-readiness. 

• Advisory on Data Protection:  We reviewed the privacy policy and terms of use for a global electronics brand, integrating new AI features and ensuring compliance with data protection laws across over 20 African countries. 

• Establishing IP Desk for State Health Ministry:  We set up a dedicated IP desk  for a prominent Nigerian state government’s health ministry, focusing on policy development, IP education, and portfolio structuring. 

• Africa-wide Data Privacy Policy Review: We reviewed and advised on data privacy documentation for a leading global mobile phone manufacturer operating across multiple African jurisdictions. 

• Data Protection Assessment in Kenya:  We conducted a comprehensive data protection compliance assessment under Kenya’s Data Protection Act, 2019, for a major FMCG company with pan-African operations. 

• Cross-Border Data Transfer Advisory: We advised a global identity theft solutions provider on developing a cross-border data sharing framework across Africa. 

• Cybersecurity Advisory – Nigeria & Ghana: We provided strategic advice on cybersecurity regulations and compliance in Nigeria and Ghana to a global consulting firm. 

• Privacy Policy Documentation: We conducted data protection audits and developed data protection documentation and compliance templates for over 60 organisations across Africa. 

• Trademark Enforcement: We assisted a digital asset trading platform in protecting its brand by collaborating with regulators to enforce trademark rights against infringers. 

• IP Strategy for HMO:  We devised a commercial IP strategy to enhance the value of a pioneering healthcare technology platform developed by an HMO. 

• Domain Name Dispute:  We represented a major African telecommunications company in a successful domain name recovery under UDRP rules. 

• Online Defamation – Web Browser: We are defending a global web browser company in a defamation lawsuit involving third-party user-generated content in Nigeria. 

• Platform User Dispute: We secured a favourable judgment at the Court of Appeal  in a dispute over takedown and alleged IP interference on a major social media platform. 

• Advisers to E-commerce Tech Company:  We provided comprehensive IP, data protection, and commercial legal support to a digital supply chain platform operating across Africa. 

• Employment Contract Review:  We helped a major African tech company structure employment contracts to vest software IP and related digital assets in the company. 

• Foreign Documentation Localisation: We localised end-user license terms for an enterprise software firm to comply with local IP and regulatory standards. 

• Data Privacy Training: We delivered customised training sessions to over 20 organisations across different African sectors on data protection principles and compliance requirements. 

• Data Sharing Advice: We guided a multinational corporation on compliant data sharing and storage of employee data among its group and subsidiaries,  ensuring alignment with applicable African data protection regulations. 

• Advisers to a Mobile Commerce Company:  We served as legal advisors on a strategic acquisition involving a pan-African mobile commerce company with a mobile payment service licence.