South Africa’s Push For Knowledge-Based Economy Through IP03/01/2018 by Munyaradzi Makoni for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a CommentCAPE TOWN, South Africa – “If you want to create a knowledge-based economy and be part of it, be players not observers. There isn’t a stronger backbone than having an understanding of what IP is.” This statement was made by Mmboneni Muofhe, Department of Science and Technology (DST) deputy director general for technology and innovation, at the ninth Intellectual Property Summer School held at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in December. The meeting brought together students, lawyers, scientists and different professionals drawn from Africa and other parts of the developing world for a ten-day intensive programme in intellectual property.
International IP Treaties Bring Tension in Africa’s Homegrown Knowledge Governance15/05/2017 by Munyaradzi Makoni for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a CommentCAPE TOWN, South Africa — The belief that intellectual property promotes foreign direct investment and international trade has brought tension in African countries’ ability to eliminate trade barriers, and to ensure local governments are able to develop policies that respond to local needs, according to an extensive new analysis.
3D Printing In Africa: Huge Benefit Or Big IP Threat?13/03/2017 by Munyaradzi Makoni for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a CommentCAPE TOWN, South Africa – The five-metre tall 3D printer dwarfs four engineers in the renewable energy laboratory at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, the biggest tertiary institution in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
ARIPO Lines Up IP Enhancing Activities For 201713/01/2017 by Munyaradzi Makoni for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a CommentCAPE TOWN, South Africa – From establishing training schemes, exchange expertise, sharing research, and helping members acquire and develop technology related to intellectual property and shape copyright associated rights, the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) has set targets for implementation in 2017.
Global Brand Offers Window Into Africa’s Intellectual Property Rights09/09/2016 by Munyaradzi Makoni for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a CommentCAPE TOWN, South Africa — For 30 years, Nandos, a South African, Portuguese-themed eatery, has made its brand, poking fun at politicians, laughing at the madcaps of society, throwing innuendos with joyful abandon and filling tummies with peri-peri chicken.
Officials Discuss Meeting Global Fund Target Of US$13B26/07/2016 by Munyaradzi Makoni for Intellectual Property Watch 1 CommentDURBAN, South Africa – As the fund to help the world’s most suffering prepares for a conference hosted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the government of Canada in September to raise US$13 billion for its 2017-2019 period, the prospect of failing to meet the target is unsettling for the civil society and the health community.
Report: Lifesaving New AIDS Drugs Remain Costly; Older Versions Get Cheaper22/07/2016 by Munyaradzi Makoni for Intellectual Property Watch 2 CommentsDURBAN, South Africa – The international medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has found that prices of older HIV drugs continue to decline, but newer drugs largely remain expensive.
AIDS Conference: Will The UN High-Level Panel Report Deliver R&D And Access To Medicines?20/07/2016 by Munyaradzi Makoni for Intellectual Property Watch 1 CommentDURBAN, South Africa – The lessons derived from the history of AIDS treatment have become a rallying call for civil society organisations globally. Not being able to afford AIDS medicines should not be repeated for people with other diseases, including HIV co-infections, treatment activists told world leaders here.
Amid Global Push For Tobacco Plain Packaging, IP And Health Rights Bog Down Africa19/05/2016 by Munyaradzi Makoni for Intellectual Property Watch 3 CommentsCAPE TOWN, South Africa — Plain packaging is considered unattractive among marketers, loss-making for industries, and a healthy life promoter for governments and the public. The potent mix to balance profits, safeguard jobs and cut illnesses has made it a controversial solution to curb smoking. As it grows in popularity around the world, how is plain packaging faring in Africa?
Study Finds Gaps In Africa-EU Health Research And Innovation Links15/04/2016 by Munyaradzi Makoni for Intellectual Property Watch Leave a CommentCAPE TOWN, South Africa – Health research collaborations between Africa and Europe do not match up with Africa’s own stated funding intentions, says a report published by a European Union-funded project.
