Abstract
Early March 2021, following its ratification of the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA agreement), Nigeria’s National Office of Trade launched a consultative process into issues constituting the country’s priorities as it prepares to participate in the negotiation of the AfCFTA agreement’s protocol on intellectual property rights (IPRs). We contributed a position paper to that process, with a focus on key policy considerations that should form Nigeria’s negotiation priorities on IPRs. This article describes some of the most important points of our submission and concludes by stressing that the broad policy focus should be to champion initiatives that promote Nigeria’s national interest and, at the same time, recognize and accommodate the ideals of inclusiveness, openness, and collaboration within the context of the AfCFTA. In this regard, the paper recommends that Nigeria should prioritize negotiations in recognition of her strongest economic assets in copyright-related sectors and focus on institutional capacity-building for its patent and technology transfer offices so that Nigeria can effectively take advantage of the relevant Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights flexibilities locally. Nigeria can learn from South Africa in domesticating the appropriate legal framework for benefit sharing and the general protection of traditional knowledge and genetic resources. The Swakopmund Protocol on the Protection of Traditional Knowledge and Expressions of Folklore 2010, the Arusha Protocol for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants 2015, and the African Union model law for the protection of the rights of local communities, farmers, breeders, and for the regulation of access to biological resources offer relevant guidance.
References
Adebola, T., Mapping Africa’s Complex Regimes: Towards an African Centred AfCFTA Intellectual Property Protocol, 1 African Journal of International Economic Law, (2020).Search in Google Scholar
Adewopo, A., H. Chuma-Okoro, and A. Oyewunmi, “A Consideration of Communal Trademarks for Nigerian Leather and Textile Products” in J. de Beer . (eds) Innovation & Intellectual Property: Collaborative Dynamics in Africa (UCT Press, 2014).Search in Google Scholar
Adewopo, A., Intellectual Property Rights in Nigeria: Law and Development (NIALS Press, 2015).Search in Google Scholar
African Model Legislation for the Protection of the Rights of Local Communities, Farmers, Breeders and for the Regulation of Access to Biological Resources, 2000, <https://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/oau/oau001en.pdf>, accessed April 23, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
African Union Commission, Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want (2015), available at: <https://au.int/sites/default/files/documents/36204-doc-agenda2063_popular_version_en.pdf>, accessed April 23, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
African Union Practical Guideline for Coordinated Implementation of the Nagoya Protocol, https://www.bioversityinternational.org/fileadmin/user_upload/campaigns/Treaty_and_Nagoya_Workshop_2015/AU_Practical_Guidelines_on_ABS-English.pdf>, accessed April 23, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
African Union, List of Countries which have Signed, Ratified/Acceded the Statute of the Pan-African Intellectual Property Organization, available at: <https://au.int/sites/default/files/treaties/32549-sl-STATUTE%20OF%20THE%20PAN%20AFRICAN%20INTELLECTUAL%20PROPERTY%20ORGANIZATION%20%28PAIPO%29%20%281%29.pdf>, accessed April 23, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
AFRIPI, About AFRIPI, <https://internationalipcooperation.eu/en/afripi/about-afripi>, accessed April 23, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
Agreement Establishing the African Free Trade Area (AfCFTA Agreement).Search in Google Scholar
ARIPO, <https://www.aripo.org/>, accessed April 23, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
Akubuko, L., ABU gets Patent Certificate for use of own Inventions, available at: <https://educationmonitornews.com/2021/06/04/abu-gets-patent-certificates-for-use-of-own-inventions/>, accessed June 12, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
Bagley, M.A., “Designing Disclosure: Disclosure of Cultural and Genetic Resources Utilisation in Design Protection Regimes” in S. Frankel (ed.) The Object and Purpose of Intellectual Property (Edward Elgar, 2019).10.4337/9781789902495.00013Search in Google Scholar
Chidede, T., AfCFTA Phase II and III Negotiations – Update, available at: <https://www.tralac.org/blog/article/15090-afcfta-phase-ii-and-iii-negotiations-update.html>, accessed April 23, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
Copyright Act, Chapter C28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.Search in Google Scholar
Dagne, T.W. and Oguamanam, C., ICTs in Agricultural Production and Potential Deployment in Operationalising Geographical Indications in Uganda, OpenAIR Working Paper 14, (August 2018), <https://openair.africa/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/WP-14-ICTs-in-Agricultural-Production-and-Operationalising-GIs-in-Uganda.pdf>, accessed April 23, 2021.10.2139/ssrn.3241169Search in Google Scholar
De Beer, J., J. Baarbe, and C. Ncube, Intellectual Property Treaty Landscape in Africa, 1885-2015, Open AIR Working Paper 4, May 5, 2017, available at: <https://openair.africa/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/WP-4-Intellectual-Property-Treaty-Landscape-in-Africa.pdf >, accessed April 23, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
De Beer, J., Evidence‐Based Intellectual Property Policymaking: An Integrated Review of Methods and Conclusions, 19 Journal of World Intellectual Property, no. 5-6 (2016), 150-177.10.1111/jwip.12069Search in Google Scholar
Draft Copyright Bill, available at: <http://graduatedresponse.org/new/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/DRAFT_COPYRIGHT_BILL_NOVEMBER-_2015.pdf>, accessed April 23, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
ECOWAS, Development of a Harmonised TRIPS Policy for Adoption by ECOWAS Member States that Employ TRIPS Flexibilities to Improve Access to Medicines in the Region, available at: <https://www.healthresearchweb.org/?action=download&file=ECOWASTRIPSPOLICY_English.pdf>, accessed April 23, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
Elahi, S. ., Knowledge and Innovation in Africa: Scenarios for the Future, available at: <https://openair.africa/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Knowledge-Innovation-Africa-Scenarios-for-Future.pdf>, accessed June 12, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
Hackbarth, S., The Opportunities are Vast in a Potential U.S.-Kenya Free Trade Agreement, available at: <https://www.uschamber.com/series/above-the-fold/the-opportunities-are-vast-potential-us-kenya-free-trade-agreement>, accessed June 12, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
Ihua, B. ., An Independent Study on the Potential Benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) on Nigeria: Study Report (May 2018), <http://www.notn.gov.ng/bundles/notn/docs/AfCFTA_Study_Final_REPORT_May_2018.pdf>, accessed April 23, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
IMF, What is the Informal Economy, <https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/2020/12/what-is-the-informal-economy-basics.htm>, accessed 23 April 2021.Search in Google Scholar
Intellectual Property Law (Amendment) Act, 28 of 2013 (South Africa).Search in Google Scholar
International Trade Administration, “Nigeria – Country Commercial Guide”, <https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/nigeria-media-and-entertainment-industry-nollywood-and-nigerian-music>, accessed April 23, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
Jandhyala, S. International and domestic dynamics of intellectual property protection, 50 Journal of World Business, no. 2 (2015).10.1016/j.jwb.2014.10.005Search in Google Scholar
Jegede, O. and O. Jegede, Determinants of Innovation Capabilities in Informal Settings: The Case of Nigeria’s Clustered ICT Microenterprises, Open AIR Working Paper 12, (August 2018), <http://openair.africa/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/WP-12-Determinants-of-Innovation-Capability-in-Informal-Settings.pdf>, accessed April 23, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
Lawal-Arowolo, A., Patent Regimes and African Traditional Medicine Practitioners: Towards a Synergy, 2 NIALS Journal of Intellectual Property, no.1 (2013).Search in Google Scholar
Mgbeoji, I., “African Patent Offices Not Fit for Purpose” in J de Beer . (eds.), Innovation & Intellectual Property: Collaborative Dynamics in Africa (UCT Press, 2014).Search in Google Scholar
Ncube, C. ., “Effects of the South African IP Regime on Generating Value from Publicly Funded Research: An Exploratory Study of Two Universities” in J. de Beer . (eds.), Innovation and Intellectual Property: Collaborative Dynamics in Africa (UCT Press, 2014).Search in Google Scholar
Ncube, C., T. Schonwetter, J. de Beer, and C. Oguamanam, Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation: Assessing Regional Integration in Africa (ARIA VIII) Open AIR Working Paper 5, (2017) <https://openair.africa/intellectual-property-rights-and-innovation-assessing-regional-integration-in-africa-aria-viii/>, accessed April 23, 2021.10.2139/ssrn.3078997Search in Google Scholar
Ncube, C., Decolonising Intellectual Property Law in Pursuit of Africa’s Development, 8 The WIPO Journal, no. 1 (2016).Search in Google Scholar
Ncube, C., B. Reid, and D. Oriakhogba, Beyond the Marrakesh VIP Treaty: typology of copyright access-enabling provisions for persons with disabilities, 23 Journal of World Intellectual Property, no. 3-4 (2020).10.1111/jwip.12144Search in Google Scholar
Ncube, C, Intellectual Property Policy, Law and Administration in Africa: Exploring Continental and Sub-regional Co-operation (Routledge, 2016).10.4324/9781315743714Search in Google Scholar
Neophytou, N., How African fashion has conquered film, available at: <https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20210326-how-african-fashion-has-conquered-film>, accessed June 14, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
NOTN, Innovation Hubs, available at: <http://www.notn.gov.ng/innovation_hubs>, accessed June 12, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
OAPI, <http://oapi.int/index.php/fr/>, accessed April 23, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
Oguamanam, C., The Nollywood phenomenon: Innovation, Openness, and Technological Opportunism in the Modeling of Successful African entrepreneurship, 23 Journal of World Intellectual Property, no. 3-4 (2020).10.1111/jwip.12162Search in Google Scholar
Ogutu, M., Caught Between Africa and the West: Kenya’s Proposed US Free Trade Agreement, available at: <https://www.africaportal.org/features/caught-between-africa-and-the-west-kenyas-proposed-us-free-trade-agreement/>, accessed June 12, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
Okorie, C., Open Educational Resources - A Nigerian Perspective, available at: <http://afro-ip.blogspot.com/2013/06/open-educational-resources-nigerian.html>, accessed April 23, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
Oloruntoba, S., A. Afolayan, and O. Yakob-Haliso, Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Development in Africa (Palgrave Macmillan, 2020).10.1007/978-3-030-34304-0Search in Google Scholar
Opoku, K., From Restitution to Digitalization: Looted Benin Treasures to go Online, Modern Ghana, 27 April 2020, <https://www.modernghana.com/news/998338/from-restitution-to-digitalization-looted-benin.html>, accessed April 23, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
Oriakhogba, D. and A. Fenemigho, “Exploring the Intellectual Property, Traditional Cultural Expression, and Gender Dimensions of the Benin Bronze Casting Art: An Agenda for Research” in FFO Orunmwense . (eds.), National Development and Human Security (University of Benin, 2019).10.2139/ssrn.3498380Search in Google Scholar
Oriakhogba, D. and C. Okorie, Multi-territorial digital copyright licensing within the AfCFTA (22 July 2020) <https://openair.africa/multi-territorial-digital-copyright-licensing-within-the-afcfta/>, accessed April 23, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
Oriakhogba, D., Bringing the WIPO Internet Treaties, Audiovisual Performances and Marrakesh VIP Treaties in Tune with the Access to Knowledge and Development Demands in Nigeria, 5 ABUAD Journal of Public and International Law, no. 1 (2018).Search in Google Scholar
Oyewunmi, A. ., “Intellectual Property Teaching and Research in Nigeria: Emerging Trends and Future Direction” (2019) Unpublished Paper (forthcoming in the next volume of Nigerian Teachers Association Conference Proceedings).Search in Google Scholar
Patents (Amendment) Act, 20 of 2005 (South Africa).Search in Google Scholar
Patents and Designs Act, Chapter P3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.Search in Google Scholar
Premium Times, Buhari Receives Made in Nigeria Cell Phone, available at: <https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/466689-buhari-receives-made-in-nigeria-cell-phone.html>, accessed June 12, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
Protection, Promotion, Development and Management of Indigenous Knowledge Act, 6 of 2019.Search in Google Scholar
Ruse-Khan, H. ., Principles for Intellectual Property Provisions in Bilateral and Regional Agreements, 44 IIC – International Review of Intellectual Property and Competition Law, 18 (2013).10.1007/s40319-013-0119-1Search in Google Scholar
Stassen, M., Multi-territory Digital Licensing Hub in Africa Shows Signs of Success Ahead of Potential ‘Streaming Boom, available at: <https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/multi-territory-digital-licensing-hub-in-africa-shows-signs-of-success-ahead-of-potential-streaming-boom/>, accessed 23 April 2021.Search in Google Scholar
Statista, Music Industry Revenue in Nigeria from 2014-2023, available at: <https://www.statista.com/statistics/939157/nigeria-music-industry-revenue/>, accessed April 23, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
Statute of the Pan-African Intellectual Property Organization, 2016.Search in Google Scholar
Trade Marks Act, Chapter T13, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.Search in Google Scholar
TRALAC, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Legal Texts and Policy Documents, available at: <https://www.tralac.org/resources/by-region/cfta.html>, accessed April 23, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
UNECA, AU, ADB and UNCTAD, Assessing Regional Integration in Africa - ARIA IX: Next Steps for the African Continental Free Trade Area Report (2019) <https://www.uneca.org/archive/sites/default/files/PublicationFiles/aria9_report_en_4sept_fin.pdf>, accessed April 23, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
Unuigbe, N., Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Global Pandemics: Biodiversity and Planetary Health Beyond Covid-19 (Routledge, 2021).10.4324/9781003141280Search in Google Scholar
Vanni, A., On intellectual property rights, access to medicines and vaccine imperialism (TWAIL Review, March 23, 2021), available at: <https://twailr.com/on-intellectual-property-rights-access-to-medicines-and-vaccine-imperialism/>, accessed April 23, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
Vanni, A., Patent Games in the Global South: Pharmaceutical Patent Law-Making in Brazil, India and Nigeria (Hart Publishing, 2019).10.5040/9781509927425Search in Google Scholar
West African Cotton Company Limited (WACCOL) v Hozelock Excel Suit nos. https://FHC/L/CP/1240/2013.Search in Google Scholar
World Economic Forum, What Nigeria’s tech sector can learn from India, <https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/11/nigeria-tech-information-data-india/>, accessed April 24, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
WIPO External Offices, https://www.wipo.int/about-wipo/en/offices/>, accessed June 14, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), “World Intellectual Property Indicators (2020), available at: <https://www.wipo.int/edocs/pubdocs/en/wipo_pub_941_2020.pdf>, accessed June 14, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
WTO, Members discuss TRIPS waiver request, exchange views on IP role amid a pandemic, available at: <https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news21_e/trip_23feb21_e.htm>, accessed April 24, 2021.Search in Google Scholar
© 2021 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
