The Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) has officially dedicated the office space for the newly established Manufacturer Union of Liberia.
This landmark initiative is part of LIPO’s ongoing commitment to significantly enhance the understanding of intellectual property (IP) among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country.
The office, which is hosted within LIPO at the old Labour Ministry Building on UN Drive, will serve as a one-stop shop to facilitate and streamline intellectual property knowledge among SME owners; ensuring that they are well-informed and equipped to manage their intellectual property effectively.
According to LIPO’s Director General, Garmai Koboi, the collaboration with the Manufacturer Union is geared towards building and enhancing the capacity of local businesses to protect and understand the economics of intellectual property, thereby promoting growth and competitiveness.
“This project is a crucial part of our broader awareness plan to educate SMEs on the importance of intellectual property rights and their integration into business strategies. Our goal is to create an informed SME sector that understands and leverages IP for sustainable growth,” she said.
She reiterated, “By dedicating this office space to the Manufacturer Union of Liberia, we are demonstrating our commitment to fostering a conducive environment for the growth and success of our local manufacturing sector.”
“We believe that through collaboration and partnership, we can drive innovation and economic development in Liberia,” Koboi added.
The establishment of this office marks a significant milestone in Koboi’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Liberia’s intellectual property ecosystem.
The provision of an office space, according to LIPO, is also intended to empower the Manufacturer Union to lead the charge in intellectual property education and management among its members.
The president of the Manufacturer Union of Liberia, Newton S. Woyeh, noted that the technical support provided by LIPO signifies a new chapter adding, “As the space will enable the union to better serve its members by providing essential IP knowledge and resources.”
This collaboration, Mr. Woyeh said, is a game-changer for the manufacturing sector in Liberia and, with LIPO’s guidance, “our members can now navigate the complexities of intellectual property with confidence, ensuring their innovations are well-protected and their businesses thrive.”
