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In this edition of JEE IP Africa News, we spotlight key developments shaping the continent’s IP landscape: • Uganda ratifies the WIPO Treaty on Genetic Resources & Traditional Knowledge, becoming the 2nd country to do so. • Libya temporarily suspends new trademark registrations amid administrative restructuring. • Ghana issues compliance reminders on Powers of Attorney for trademark applications.
Welcome to Vol. 3/Q3/Issue 8 of JEE IP Africa News. This edition reflects a pivotal period for intellectual property across Africa, marked by significant legal and institutional developments. From Uganda’s ratification of a landmark global treaty on genetic resources and traditional knowledge to Libya’s administrative reorganisation of its trademark registration system, the continent’s IP framework is undergoing transformative change.
Highlights include:
Uganda Ratifies WIPO Treaty on Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge
Libya Temporarily Suspends New Trademark Registrations Following Administrative Transition
Ghana IPO Issues Notice on Powers of Attorney for Trademark Applications
UGANDA
UGANDA RATIFIES WIPO TREATY ON GENETIC RESOURCES AND TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE
Uganda has deposited its instrument of ratification of the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge (GRATK), adopted in Geneva on 24 May 2024. The treaty requires patent applicants to disclose the country of origin of genetic resources and/or the indigenous peoples or local communities providing associated traditional knowledge when inventions are based on such resources.
Uganda is the second country to ratify the treaty, following Malawi. Entry into force will occur once 15 ratifications or accessions are secured. To date, 45 countries—including several African states such as Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Tanzania—have signed the treaty, marking strong continental engagement with this milestone in global IP governance.
NIGERIA
The Libyan Council of Ministers, through Decision No. 366 of 2025, reassigned the administration of the Trademark Office (TMO) to the Commercial Registration Authority. While oversight has shifted, the TMO will continue to operate under the Ministry of Economy and Trade.
As a result of this transition, the TMO has temporarily halted the acceptance of new trademark applications. Transactions with deadlines becoming due during the suspension period shall not be considered expired or forfeited. Instead, such matters will be preserved and duly processed once the TMO resumes operations.
GHANA
The Ghana Industrial Property Office (GIPO) has issued a notice reminding applicants to strictly comply with the Power of Attorney’s Act, 1998 (Act 549) and Regulation 1 of the Trademarks (Amendment) Regulation, 1972 (L.I.792) when filing trademark applications.
Under the Notice, Powers of Attorney (POAs) should:
The Office has urged applicants to comply in order to enable swift processing of trademark applications.
Clearly state the personal name, designation, and signature of the authorised signatory/proprietor on the company’s letterhead or stamp and seal where available; and
Include the personal name and signature of a witness.
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For further information, kindly reach the contact below:
Chinwe Ogban – Partner – chinwe.ogban@jee.africa
Tolu Olaloye – Partner – tolu.olaloye@jee.africa
Important Notice: The information contained in this Article is intended for general information purposes only and does not create a lawyer-client relationship. It is not intended as legal advice from Jackson, Etti, & Edu (JEE) or the individual author(s), nor intended as a substitute for legal advice on any specific subject matter. Detailed legal counsel should be sought prior to undertaking any legal matter. The information contained in this Article is current to the last update and may change. Last Update: October 1, 2024.
