The World IP Day 2022  

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has made an announcement that this year’s World IP Day will be observed on April 26. The theme of the Day will be “IP and Youth: Innovating for a Better Future” in celebration of how young people are stepping up to innovation challenges while creating a sustainable future. “Young people using their energy, ingenuity, curiosity, and creativity to meet innovation challenge” reads the announcement. 

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority will commemorate this by partnering with other stakeholders in the Intellectual Property Rights ecosystem in Kenya to raise public awareness of the importance of intellectual property protection. The focus on raising public awareness among the youth on IP follows a similar partnership the authority has had with tertiary and university colleges in the country.  

Speaking in anticipation of commemorating this year’s event, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority Senior Public Education and Awareness Officer Ms. Annie Obiero said that “We have had some great success with programs targeting youth. Key among them include the University of Nairobi Innovation week, The Kenyatta University Career Week, the National Industrial Training Authority, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology among other colleges”. 

The Authority is also developing a training program through a virtual academy that will offer training on intellectual property rights. The platform will be accessible to youth and IP enthusiasts and will seek to train on the importance of IP Protection and the dangers of counterfeit products.  

Last year's theme was based on the role of Intellectual Property (IP) to SMEs:  Taking Ideas to the Market. The theme rhymed with every business incubation cycle since every business starts with an idea. Ms. Obiero commending the success of last year’s event added that SMEs are the backbone of many economies in the world saying, "They hatch breakthrough innovations and inspiring creations, and they create jobs; some become the world-leading businesses of tomorrow". 

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