The information was announced on Thursday, the 25th, in Luanda, by the Minister of Culture, Filipe Zau, who confirmed that the proposal is already in the approval phase. The Angolan government has pledged to combat piracy, stimulate innovation, and establish a National Intellectual Property Council, following the outcomes of a conference held in November 2023.
“This will be a central instrument for formulating policies, strategies, and regulations aimed at strengthening the entire innovation ecosystem in Angola,” said the minister during the opening of the 5th Annual Conference on Intellectual Property Rights in Angola.
Intellectual property, he added, is a crucial tool for consolidating the country’s independence, allowing the enhancement of cultural heritage and driving a truly Angolan economy.
Noah Zaring, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States of America, emphasized that intellectual property rights are essential for fostering innovation, attracting investment, and creating jobs.
“It is not only a commercial priority but also a national security issue. Angola positions itself at the forefront of global discussions on the future of the digital economy,” he stressed.
Intellectual property is protected under national laws, with the Angolan Institute of Industrial Property (IAPI) responsible for registering and managing industrial property rights, and the National Service for Copyright and Related Rights (SENADIAC) overseeing copyright.
The system protects trademarks, patents, industrial designs, and copyrights, with a registration system designed to ensure exclusivity and safeguard the interests of creators and businesses, although the culture of registration still needs to be strengthened.
Annually, the U.S. Embassy, in partnership with Angolan government ministries, promotes conferences, lectures, and workshops on Intellectual Property Rights to discuss the topic and develop more effective mechanisms to protect authors’ rights.
Source: Forbes África Lusófona
