… the courses will provide knowledge on legal enforcement and protection on Intellectual Property Rights as a standalone discipline, a first in the region …
Inoorero University, former Kenya School of Professional Studies (KSPS) has launched their partnership with Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) to offer courses in Intellectual Property; a first in the East African region.
The timely partnership comes in the wake of the vibrancy of the multi-million illicit-trade industry which robs the country’s economy of significant revenues.
Speaking during the launch of the partnership, Inoorero University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Henry Thairu said the courses will provide knowledge on legal enforcement and protection on Intellectual Property rights as a standalone discipline, saving the East Africa Community of the billions lost.
“It is estimated that the Government of Kenya loses approximately Shs.6 billion in potential profits and tax revenue due to piracy and trade in counterfeit goods. Manufacturers have also registered significant losses as a result of this illicit trade, with modest estimates placing the net annual losses at Shs.30 billion in counterfeit alone.”
He added that the Intellectual Property Rights curriculum will cover a wide spectrum of related topics including but not limited to copyright, patent protection, indigenous knowledge and geographical origin. Previously, IP has been offered as a subject under Law degrees.
In his capacity as the Managing Director at KIPI, Prof James Odek also added that there is a strong need for a concerted effort by all stakeholders to drive a targeted campaign that raises awareness, addresses the gaps in the socio-economic landscape and create the necessary synergies to significantly reduce abuse of Intellectual Property Rights.
He said KIPI would not only facilitate for the students to access resources of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) but also the curricula of WIPO, the global IP Rights Academy.
“We will also ensure attachment of registered students in appropriate institutions in the country aw we build a database of experts in Intellectual Property Rights” Prof. Odek added.
The curriculum for the new courses is ready and the first in-takes are scheduled for this September. “We will start by offering Certificates and Diplomas. Higher Diplomas, Degrees and Masters in the same field will be offered within the next two years.” Prof. Henry Thairu said.
Piracy and Counterfeits affect a cross section of industries – from technology to personal care product lines, from publishing to electronics, from health to the arts and entertainment industries.
The enactment of the anti-counterfeit law in 2009 by the Government of Kenya provides a legal framework to deal with this potentially destructive industry. The Kenya Copyright Board and the Anti-Counterfeit Agency are government organizations mandated to stem the thriving trade in pirated and counterfeit goods, ultimately safeguarding intellectual property rights in this market.
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For more information, please contact Anne Ekiru, Inoorero University on anne.mukami@iu.ac.ke or 3752835, 3750255