The enforcement of IP rights often remains relatively weak. An important reason is the lack of public awareness and capacities of the enforcement authorities, in particular at the regional and district levels. Although right holders' awareness of the concept of IP rights has improved, many still lack the specific knowledge needed to tap into the benefits IP rights.

The overall goal of the project is to assist Ghana to design and implement a modern development-friendly system of intellectual property rights that supports national developmental strategies (including poverty reduction and trade enhancing measures) and helps the country meet its intellectual property obligations at the World Trade Organization. This, in turn, will directly help producers, companies and research institutes to better commercialise their IP rights. Indirectly, IP rights improve economic conditions by helping to attract technology, knowhow and investments.

Enabling the IP environment created under phase I to improve services to IP users

Help enterprises to register and commercialise their IP rights

Improved protection and enforcement of IP in order to ensure that right holders receive higher economic benefits and that consumers are safeguarded from substandard products

Increase the demand for the registering of geographical indications for better marketing of traditional products

Risultati principali attesi:  

Enhanced capacities of government agencies in policy-making about and administration of IP rights

Increased understanding among government agencies, small- and medium-sized enterprises and research institutes on the use, value and commercialization of IP rights

Improved IP rights enforcement through the formulation of a strategy on Public Education & Awareness in addition to increased knowledge by the Copyright Office, the Registrar General's Department, police and customs

Information on potential GIs in Ghana is available, Knowledge of key-players on the GI system is increased, Registration documents of three GI products are developed

Risultati fasi precedenti:  

A first phase of the project was implemented between 2009 and 2013. It contributed significantly to updating the existing legal IP rights framework, including the revision of five laws. Comprehensive policy advice was provided for the elaboration of the National IP Policy and Strategy. Capacity building on matters related to IP was provided to the Judiciary through the Judicial Training Centre.

Fase 2 01.01.2016 - 30.09.2021   (Completed)