The activity aims to create awareness on the available IP tools and prepare the countries involved to integrate relevant EUIPN tools into their software. This integration process also includes the sharing of knowledge and experiences as well as technical hands-on sessions. Ever since the beginning of the AfrIPI project, OAPI spent several months gradually integrating DesignClass and the Harmonised Database tools. The process was completed in September 2020 and was a major step forward following the integration of TMView in January 2019.

On 10th March CarIPI hosted a webinar directed at EPA coordinators, policymakers, and private sector representatives of CARIFORUM to raise awareness on the benefits – for the business sector and in particular to SMEs -  on the existing regional and international convergence efforts, as well as the positive impacts regional harmonisation of IP systems for TMs have on trade in IP-rich goods and services and overall economic development.

This webinar will close this first series of interventions aimed at enhancing the capacities of the Design Examiners of CARIFORUM IP Offices. This time focus was put on the graphical representation of designs and correct use of visual disclaimers. 

See here information on the first and second session.

After a first training session aimed at enhancing the skills and capacity of design examiners of the CARIFORUM IP Offices on design examination, a second session was organised by CarIPI on 4th March to cover some practical aspects of design examination. Focus topics: Product indication, Classification of Designs, the Locarno Agreement, and the concept of deferment of publication for Registered Community Designs.

With the objective of strengthening the technical capacities and skills of the CARIFORUM IPO staff examiners in the field of designs, CarIPI organised a series of online trainings on design examination (ref. Activity 5 of AWP2).

During a first session held on 26th Feb, designs experts from the EU and CARIFORUM met to exchange best practices and share knowledge on design examination.

On 18 February 2020, the EU-Georgia Intellectual Property Project (EUGIPP) brought together the President of the Boards of Appeal (BoA) of the EUIPO, Mr Théophile Margellos, and the Chairman of Sakpatenti, Mr Mindia Davitadze.

On 25 and 26 February, a training course for teacher coordinators at selected schools and Sakpatenti staff representatives will take place online.

The course, organised by the EU-Georgian Intellectual Property Project (EUGIPP), is part of the initiative ‘Creativity and IP in Georgian schools’, which intends to reach out to over 1 000 Georgian students during the academic year. By attending the seminar, participants will learn how to plan and deliver effective training courses on IP matters, creativity, and innovation to students.

As stated in the continental GI strategy for Africa, the value of GIs needs to be highlighted through specifically supporting the effective progress of African geographical indications (GIs).

Free access to information ensures transparency and promotes participation in public debate. New technology continues to evolve, and the internet currently allows citizens around the world to access a plurality of sources and a vast amount of information in just one click. Nevertheless, the dispersion of the information from different sources requires an effort of research, that may lead to some information being missed.

The GI Penja Pepper has been filed for registration at EU level and is currently being examined. This activity is part of the support the AfrIPI project provides in terms of technical assistance in protecting GIs at national and/or EU level. The next step for AfrIPI is to present the Consultative Committee for the Continental Strategy for Geographical Indications in Africa, with its proposed selection criteria. On the basis of this criteria, various African GIs will receive support for their registration at local and/or European level.