By Bill W. Cooper
The government of President Joseph Boakai has pledged its unwavering commitment to organizing a National Intellectual Property (IP) Summit aimed at strengthening the country’s IP ecosystem.
The commitment by the President was, however, outlined in a policy address delivered by the Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of State, Atty. Cornelia Kruah, during a high-level IP policy conference held yesterday, April 23, 2025, at the Monrovia City Hall.
Organized by the Liberia Intellectual Property Office(LIPO) under the theme: “The Role of Intellectual Property and the Creative Sector in Achieving the ARREST Agenda Under Program Seven,” the conference marks the first phase of a two-part national celebration of World IP Day, which falls on April 26.
The ARREST Agenda is a five-year, US$8.3 billion national development plan designed to transition Liberia from a low-income to a lower-middle-income country by 2029, and emphasizing that strong institutions, resilient infrastructure, and transparent governance are essential to achieving this goal—and that intellectual property plays a critical role.
Program Seven of the ARREST Agenda also elevates IP as a strategic development driver, rather than an afterthought, and under this program, the Government of Liberia envisions economic activities increasingly driven by IP.
In her address, Atty. Kruah said, “The President remains committed to hosting a National Intellectual Property Summit—bringing together a broad range of stakeholders to deliberate on policy and advance Program Seven of the ARREST Agenda.”
“The President also remains committed to conducting a comprehensive study on the contribution of intellectual property to the country’s GDP, ensuring job creation, and the reduction of poverty across Liberia,” she noted.
According to the MOS Deputy Minister, the presence of the President’s office at the conference reflects the administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment in which IP becomes a launchpad for national development.
She emphasized that the expected National IP Conference is also part of a deliberate national effort to elevate the discourse around IP and its role in achieving the government’s ARREST Agenda.
“Never before in the history of our nation has intellectual property been so formally recognized and elevated as a national priority as it has under the administration of President Boakai—who, as an author himself, is keen on leaving an economic legacy underpinned by IP.
So, as we embark on this journey, we want all stakeholders in the creative industry to know that IP will no longer be regarded as an ancillary concern but as a pillar of economic diversification, an engine for youth employment, and a cornerstone of our nation’s cultural diplomacy,” she said.
Kruah further emphasized that the government remains committed to developing a robust national IP ecosystem that protects creators’ rights and empowers them with knowledge and resources.
Earlier, LIPO Director General Garmai Koboi noted that the conference, which brought together stakeholders from across sectors, is a precursor to the upcoming national IP summit, noting that IP is so deeply embedded in Liberian life that “whether we know it or not the economic foundation of Liberia is built on it.”
She noted, “These policies are part of a broader structural support package to help the creative sector realize its full economic potential, because far too often, creative works have been stolen due to lack of registration, or creators have held back, thinking ownership is out of reach.”
“Or that the IP system is too complex, too expensive, or too inaccessible. In reality, it’s not as such; to empower creators, we’re waiving the US$10 registration fee for the next three months beginning now.
Whether you’re a musician, writer, filmmaker, fashion designer, or visual artist—your work matters. Your story matters. Your art matters. Come and secure your legal and economic rights—free of charge,” she assured.
Koboi added, “This system will simplify the registration process—cutting out paperwork, reducing costs, and eliminating the need for in-person visits. By the end of this year, you’ll be able to register your copyright or industrial property online—from anywhere in Liberia or abroad.”
