The much awaited National Intellectual Property Policy & Implementation Strategy for the government of Zimbabwe was officially launched today, June 28 2018. The colourful event held at Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare was well attended by various stakeholders including industry, academic and research institutions and the civic society. The guest of honour was the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Hon. Ziyambi Ziyambi accompanied by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry Ms. Virginia Mabiza.

Also in attendance was the Director General of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO), the former Director General Mr Gift Sibanda and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Regional Bureau for Africa representative Mr. Sery-Kore. Speaking at the event, the ARIPO Director General Mr. Fernando Dos Santos said the launch of the IP Policy was a fruit of hard work and commitment. Similar sentiments were shared by Mr. Gift Sibanda in his remarks who added that the generation, protection and commercialisation of IP would move the Zimbabwean economy forward. WIPO representative, Mr. Sery-Kore called upon universities and the private sector to work together and enhance IP in the framework of the National IP Policy.

Presenting the background of the National IP Policy & Implementation Strategy, the Deputy Registrar of the Zimbabwe Intellectual Property Office (ZIPO) Mr. Willie Mushayi highlighted that the journey had not been an easy one as it required regional bench marking. He also emphasised the urgent need for the review of some IP laws which are outdated.