— Terms it as a success, as the intellectual property office wraps up nationwide campaign on intellectual property rights awareness
On Tuesday, November 26, the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) wrapped up its three-month public awareness campaign focused on promoting respect for intellectual property (IP) within the Liberian public. The campaign, which emphasized the crucial role of intellectual property in driving creativity, innovation, and economic growth in Liberia, concluded with a vibrant celebration at Invincible Park near Fish Market on Congo Town Boulevard.
The event featured numerous artists and comedians who delivered key messages about the significance of intellectual property in fostering economic development.
The campaign concluded with an engaging float parade that traversed Monrovia and various parts of Montserrado County, spreading messages on the importance of safeguarding creative and innovative creations. The parade garnered public interest and raised inquiries on a range of intellectual property issues, including copyright and trademark restrictions, and how individuals can combat piracy.
Speaking at the close of the campaign in Fish Market, Garmai Koboi, Director General of LIPO, described the awareness drive as successful. Koboi highlighted that the initiative represents a significant milestone in the Government of Liberia’s endeavors to educate and empower citizens to protect and appreciate creative works and innovations.
She said that the government’s action would pave the way for greater economic empowerment and technological advancement, in line with President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST agenda.
“This campaign has been about empowering Liberians to understand and protect what they create,” added Koboi. “From musicians to inventors, every creative person deserves to benefit from their hard work. Promoting respect for intellectual property is essential to building a stronger and more innovative Liberia.”
During the campaign, visits were made to Nimba and Grand Bassa, with stops in Margibi and Bong Counties, to engage Liberians living in rural and urban areas of Montserrado County, with awareness messages geared towards promoting respect for IP.
The campaign, which originally opened in Montserrado, included additional components such as a social media campaign and a weekly radio show. The weekly radio program featured lively discussions on IP issues, while social media platforms— all geared towards ensuring wider reach to almost every corner of Liberia.
Clarence H. Cole, Deputy Director General for Copyright at LIPO, noted that building respect for intellectual property is essential in creating a thriving creative economy; as such, the campaign has not only raised awareness but also inspired trust in Liberia’s IP framework, which is key to nurturing innovation and progress.
“This is just the beginning. This campaign has opened doors for greater understanding and appreciation of IP rights, but there’s more work to do,” Hon. Cole added. “Protecting intellectual property strengthens our creative industries and builds trust in our systems.”
Also speaking, veteran Liberian musician, Amaze, noted that the campaign had sparked a deeper understanding of intellectual property, not just among artists but among many Liberians in the counties visited.
According to Amaze, the groundbreaking initiative has empowered the creative sector by showing that their work is valued and protected. The awareness, he added, has set a foundation for a stronger, more vibrant creative industry in Liberia.
“For me, this has been a game-changer. Artists are now realizing the value of their work and the importance of protecting it,” said Amaze while performing at Fish Market. “It’s inspiring to see the change this campaign is bringing to our creative community.”
Meanwhile, the three-month campaign by LIPO is in alignment with President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST agenda, empowering Liberians with the tools and knowledge to foster economic growth and national development.
