Works are underway to develop Seychelles first National IP Strategy

A workshop with the objective of developing the first ever Seychelles National Intellectual Property Strategy got underway this week at the National Museum in Victoria.

 

The 3-day workshop brought together key stakeholders and was held under the theme "Fostering Creativity and Innovation for Economic Growth and Development in Seychelles’'.

 

Opening the workshop, the Principal Secretary for Trade, Francis Lebon, focused on the importance of IP, particularly its role in the government's transformative economic agenda where emphasis is on increasing local exportation.

 

"IP is a key element when we are targeting increasing exportation because it provides protection for local inventions and creations."

 

The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) is providing support to the development of the strategy and facilitating the workshop. Seychelles became a member of ARIPO in 2021.

 

PS Lebon pointed out the time frame to develop the National IP Strategy is end of this year.

 

"This will guide all IP policies and laws going forward."

 

The workshop is the first of a series of activities being organised this week to mark World Intellectual Property Day, celebrated on 26th April, every year.

 

On Friday 26th, members of the public are being invited to visit an exhibition showcasing locally made products at the National Museum from 12pm to 4pm.