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The Harare Protocol, one of ARIPO’s cornerstone agreements, allows applicants to secure protection for patents, utility models, and industrial designs through a single ARIPO application, with the same effect as if filed directly in each designated member state. This regional mechanism has long been a valuable tool for rights holders seeking efficient, centralized IP protection across participating African jurisdictions. In this context, we would like to highlight the recent expansion of the system.

As of March 1, 2025, the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) has enacted a series of major amendments to its governing legal instrument, the Harare Protocol, which regulates the procedure for the protection of patents and industrial designs among its member states.

Vítor Palmela Fidalgo shares his insights in "Platforms Pay the Price", published in WIPR – World IP Review, Issue 1 (2025), which explores the growing accountability of online platforms as evolving European regulations push them to take greater responsibility for counterfeit goods sold by third-party vendors.

The 2025 Iberian Summit & Awards, hosted by Leaders League, took place on March 11 at the Hyatt Regency Hesperia in Madrid. The event gathered business leaders from across the Iberian region to network, exchange insights, and explore new opportunities.

As part of the summit, an awards ceremony recognized outstanding individuals and organizations across 30 categories, including the legal sector, celebrating excellence and leadership. 

The webinar “Protect Your IP with IT and Inventa: Software Patents and Artificial Intelligence” took place on February 26, with the participation of Inventa.

The event was held at the Telecommunications Institute (IT) in Lisbon and highlighted the main challenges and opportunities in protecting computer-implemented inventions, including those driven by Artificial Intelligence.

From north to south, and from east to west, Africa’s cultural legacy is present in diverse and captivating ways, especially when it comes to its agricultural heritage.

From the raw materials used to make clothing, to the traditional ingredients for culinary recipes, Africa holds hidden treasures in agricultural knowledge and customs. Its varying climates give rise to unique combinations of flavours, species, and production methods, all contributing to an agricultural legacy that is both distinctive and invaluable.

With over 40 speakers and more than 2000 attendees, the 5th edition of Lagos Tech Fest took place on February 20th, bringing together startups, innovators, investors, and government representatives shaping the future of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

The event provided a platform for meaningful discussions, networking, and insights into key industry trends. Key topics included Financial inclusion, Venture Capital & Private Equity, AI & Cloud, the Creative Economy, Identity & Fraud, E-commerce, Digital Infrastructure, among others.