By Bill W. Cooper
The Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) has wrapped up a two-day intellectual property awareness campaign in Nimba County, marking the first event of its kind in the county.
The initiative, held from September 28 to 29 in the bustling cities of Gompa and Sanniquellie, forms a core part of LIPO’s ongoing three-month campaign aimed at educating Liberians at the grassroots level about intellectual property, with a particular focus on trademarks, copyrights, and piracy.
The Nimba’s awareness campaign kicked off with appearances on local radio stations including, Kergheamahn and Voice of Gompa—two of the county’s most popular stations—ensuring that the campaign’s core messages reached a broad audience across the county.
According to the Director General of LIPO, Garmai Koboi, “The enthusiasm and interest shown by the people of Nimba in understanding intellectual property were remarkable and encouraging.”
Koboi emphasized that because of Nimba’s economic potential, it is home to a lot of untapped talent, which could thrive with greater awareness of IP laws and their benefits, noting, “We are investing in providing the knowledge the people of Nimba need to not just protect their ideas but to also commercialize them as well.”
Although the concept of intellectual property might seem complex, it is intricately woven into the daily lives of all Liberians.
The smartphone, the logo on shoes or clothes, and the software used for work or entertainment are all examples of someone’s or a company’s IP, protected in various forms, and represent common points of human interaction.
The protections provided by IP, grant a claim of ownership so that no one can use, copy, or profit from the IP without the owner’s expressed permission.
The Nimba tour, which follows similar events in Grand Bassa and Montserrado Counties, saw DG Koboi and her team significantly simplifying the concept of intellectual property and how it can be leveraged to stimulate economic growth, encourage entrepreneurship, and safeguard innovations.
A significant focus was placed on piracy’s dangers and economic consequences, which involves the illegal copying and distribution of works such as music, films, and software. Brochures and flyers were distributed to reinforce the campaign’s core messages.
“Every Liberian plays a crucial role in this effort, and by respecting intellectual property rights and choosing legitimate products, we contribute to building a more vibrant economy that values and protects creativity,” she added.
Earlier, Gompa City Mayor, Samuel Hardt, expressed his appreciation for LIPO’s efforts, describing it as a historic moment for Nimba County, and noted that LIPO’s actions are vital steps toward ensuring that creators and innovators in Nimba County receive recognition for their work.
“This visit from LIPO is a pivotal milestone for our city. Educating our community about intellectual property creates opportunities for economic empowerment and the growth of our local industries,” Hardt added.
