By Prince Offeh
Strong IP Protection Could Unlock Africa’s Creative Economy – USPTO | Strong intellectual property (IP) protection and effective enforcement could help Africa unlock the economic potential of its growing creative industries, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has said.
Katherine Hiner, Intellectual Property Attaché for Sub-Saharan Africa at the USPTO, said stronger IP systems could help African creators generate more income, create jobs and expand exports.
She noted that global demand for African music continues to rise. However, weaknesses in IP administration, public awareness, rights collection and enforcement are causing creators to lose significant revenue.
Hiner made the remarks during a digital press briefing on the U.S. Department of State’s “IP for Growth” initiative.
The year-long initiative seeks to strengthen IP protection across Africa and help creators and businesses capture more value from their work. It has included workshops in Lagos and Johannesburg involving policymakers, musicians, producers, lawyers and entertainment executives.
According to Hiner, Sub-Saharan Africa’s music markets have recorded double-digit growth for five consecutive years, based on figures from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).
Nevertheless, she said sustained growth would require stronger laws and greater commitment to enforcement.
Governments must also invest in IP offices, train personnel and create transparent systems for managing and monetising creative rights. In addition, stronger action against piracy remains essential.
Hiner said data from workshops in Kenya and Nigeria showed that about US$286 million in recorded music revenue goes uncollected each year in the two countries.
She identified three key priorities: improving transparency in rights collection, educating the public about IP and strengthening enforcement against piracy.
Ghana signs first USPTO patent agreement
Hiner also highlighted Ghana’s progress in IP administration. In July, the USPTO signed an Accelerated Patent Grant Agreement with Ghana’s IP Office.
She described it as the USPTO’s first such agreement with an African IP office.
Under the arrangement, holders of U.S. patents can request faster processing of corresponding patent applications in Ghana. The agreement is also expected to support training and cooperation between the two offices.
Meanwhile, Hiner stressed the importance of copyright protection as artificial intelligence continues to develop. She said policymakers must balance technological innovation with the rights of creators.
Strong IP Protection Could Unlock Africa’s Creative Economy – USPTO | AviationGhana
