IP Africa News – Vol.4/Q1/Issue4

Welcome to Volume 4, Q1, Issue 4 of JEE IP Africa News. This edition brings into focus significant developments shaping the intellectual property landscape across Africa, alongside key milestones from our practice. Key highlights include the African Union’s adoption of eight Annexes to the AfCFTA IP Protocol; Mozambique’s ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty; the resumption of operations at the Ghana Trademark Registry following industrial action; our team’s upcoming participation in the INTA Annual Meeting 2026 in London; and our firm’s continued recognition in international rankings and awards.

AFRICAN UNION (AU) ADOPTS EIGHT ANNEXES TO THE AFCFTA IP PROTOCOL

At the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, held in Addis Ababa in February 2026, African leaders approved eight Annexes to the AfCFTA Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights, marking a decisive step toward making the Protocol fully operational.

The IP Protocol itself was initially adopted in February 2023 during the AU’s 36th Ordinary Session, signalling a continental commitment to greater alignment of intellectual property systems. The newly adopted Annexes now provide the detailed legal and procedural frameworks required to give effect to that commitment and reinforce the AfCFTA’s ambition to drive industrialisation through coordinated, innovation-led policies, while aligning Africa’s IP framework with evolving international standards.

These Annexes cover a broad spectrum of intellectual property rights, including Marks, Industrial Designs, Patents, Utility Models, New Plant Variety Protection, Geographical Indications, Copyright and Related Rights, as well as Traditional Knowledge, Traditional Cultural Expressions, and Genetic Resources.

For innovators, creators, brand owners, and businesses operating across borders, this development is particularly significant, as the Annexes introduce a more structured and coherent approach to IP regulation across participating African countries. By clarifying procedures and promoting consistency across jurisdictions, the Annexes are expected to ease market entry, support cross-border commercialisation, and foster greater legal clarity for multi-country IP protection across Africa.

MOZAMBIQUE’S RATIFICATION OF THE MARRAKESH TREATY

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has confirmed that the Republic of Mozambique has formally ratified the Marrakesh Treaty, depositing its instrument of ratification on 27 January 2026.

Adopted in June 2013, the Marrakesh Treaty is designed to improve access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print-disabled, by facilitating the creation and cross-border exchange of accessible format copies by authorised entities.

The Treaty will become effective in Mozambique on 27 April 2026, marking a notable step in strengthening inclusive access to knowledge and aligning the country’s copyright framework with global efforts to address barriers faced by print-disabled persons.

RESUMPTION OF OPERATIONS FOLLOWING INDUSTRIAL ACTION IN GHANA

Operations at the Ghana Trademark Registry were recently impacted by a nationwide strike declared by the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG), which commenced on 9 March 2026 and affected administrative functions across several government agencies.

As a result, the processing and examination of trademark applications experienced delays during the period of the industrial action.

CLOGSAG has now called off the strike and directed its members to resume work on 24 March 2026. The suspension of the strike is expected to restore normal operations across

civil and local government services, including the Trademark Registry, while negotiations with the government continue.

We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as further information becomes available.

INTA ANNUAL MEETING 2026 – LONDON

The global intellectual property community will convene in London from 2–6 May 2026 for the International Trademark Association (INTA) Annual Meeting 2026. The meeting is widely regarded as one of the most influential forums for brand owners, legal practitioners, and policy leaders to exchange ideas, explore emerging challenges, and shape the future direction of intellectual property protection worldwide.

Members of our intellectual property team will be present throughout the meeting and look forward to engaging with colleagues, clients, and industry stakeholders on developments affecting brand protection, enforcement, and commercial strategy—particularly within the rapidly evolving African market.

We welcome the opportunity to connect during the week in London to discuss intellectual property developments, collaboration opportunities, and strategies for protecting and expanding brands across Africa and other key markets.

To arrange a meeting with our team during the conference, please contact us at INTA@jee.africa.

IP RANKINGS: CHAMBERS GLOBAL AND WTR1000 RANKINGS

Our firm was recognised in the Chambers Global 2026 as a Leading Law Firm in Nigeria. In addition to the firm’s recognition, our partners received individual rankings in acknowledgement of their expertise and contributions to the practice.

• Uwa Ohiku – ranked as Senior Statesperson: Intellectual Property & TMT.

• Chinyere Okorocha – ranked Gold in Intellectual Property & TMT.

• Obafemi Agba – ranked Gold in Intellectual Property & TMT.

Our intellectual property practice also received significant recognition in the WTR 1000 2026, where the firm achieved a Gold-tier ranking for its capabilities in trade mark prosecution, portfolio strategy, and enforcement.

The ranking further highlighted the contributions of several members of our IP team:

• Lookman Durosinmi-Etti - Silver

• Uwa Ohiku – Gold

• Chinyere Okorocha – Gold

• Obafemi Agaba - Gold

• Chinwe Ogban – Silver

• Toyosi Odunmbaku - Silver

• Tolu Olaloye – Silver

• Oloruntobi Opawoye - Bronze

• Kodichi Anigbogu – Bronze

These recognitions underscore the depth of expertise within our intellectual property team and reflect the consistent quality of service delivered to clients across Africa and internationally.

SHORTLISTED AT THE 2026 MANAGING IP AWARDS

Jackson, Etti & Edu has been shortlisted for the Managing IP Awards 2026 EMEA, receiving nominations in the Firm of the Year – Africa and Firm of the Year – Nigeria categories.

In addition to the firm’s nominations, two members of our intellectual property team have also been shortlisted. Our Senior Partner, Uwa Ohiku, has been nominated for Practitioner of the Year, while our Senior Associate, Susan Akinade, has been nominated in the Rising Star category.

These nominations across both firm-wide and individual categories reflect the strength of our intellectual property practice and demonstrate the confidence that clients across Africa continue to place in our team.