Nigeria launches first Intellectual Property Automated System

The Federal Government on Tuesday launched the first Intellectual Property Automated System, IPAS, in the country.


‪The system launched by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, represents a major milestone in the effort to transform the Nigerian industrial landscape.

‪The minister, who kicked off the IPAS at the Registry of Trademarks Patents and Designs of Nigeria in Abuja, said it was commendable that after 100 years of manual service, Nigeria was rolling out, for the first time, what would be the biggest IPAS system in Africa.

‪The minister said the IPAS, which went live on Tuesday, is a world acclaimed system of automated processing of applications for the registration of Trademarks Patents and Industrial Designs.

‪Describing the inauguration of the IPAS as a big milestone in the transformation agenda of the present administration, Mr. Aganga said the launch was even more significant as it was the first of its kind in 100 years.

‪With the Implementation of the IPAS, he said Nigeria would join 16 other countries, out of 53 in Africa, that have already deployed the service.

‪For investors, the minister said their services would not only be more efficient, quicker and cheaper, but also ensure transparency and accountability.

‪“The introduction of the IPAS will further improve and uplift the integrity and standards of all applications that emanate from Nigeria,” the minister said. “It will enhance the confidence of both the local and international communities and further encourage local and foreign direct investment in the country. This is about consumer and investment protection and it is a very good development for the country.”

http://www.nigerianeye.com/2014/01/fg-launches-first-intellectual-property.html