News

By Zamda George, CMU

The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) Associate Professor in intellectual property law, Saudin Mwakaje, has been appointed as a member of the Board of Appeal of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), to represent Tanzania, for the biennium of 2024/2025.

This appointment of Prof. Mwakaje, a distinguished academic member of staff of the University of Dar es Salaam School of Law (UDSoL) and UDSM Chief Corporate Counsel and Secretary to Council (CCC&STC), was communicated on 29 August, 2024 in a letter by ARIPO General Director, Bemanya Twebaze.

“We requested the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA) to nominate an expert in Intellectual Property matters to represent Tanzania on the Board of Appeal to hear two pending cases. I have the honour of informing you that, by Letter of 13^th June, 2023 BRELA nominated you to serve on the Board of Appeal”, stated the letter by Twebaze.

The letter further stated that, this appointment is in line with the fact that at its 47^th session held in Gaborone, Botswana in November 2023, the ARIPO Administrative Council elected Liberia, Mauritus, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Zimbabwe as members of the ARIPO Board of Appeal for the biennium of 2024/2025.

UDSM Deputy Vice Chancellor-Academic, Prof. Bonaventure Rutinwa, said that UDSM celebrates this significant achievement and the opportunities it brings for further collaboration and contribution to the development of intellectual property law across Africa.

“Prof. Mwakaje’s appointment not only highlights the University’s commitment to excellence but also underscores the critical role of intellectual property in fostering innovation and development on the continent”, said Prof. Rutinwa.

Prof. Rutinwa said that Prof. Mwakaje’s new role at ARIPO will further support the University’s mission to contribute to regional development and strengthen its international collaborations. “His appointment will also provide opportunities for greater engagement in ARIPO’s initiatives, enhancing the exchange of knowledge and best practices in intellectual property law”.

ARIPO, its Board of Appeal and functions

ARIPO is an inter-governmental organization (IGO) under the aegis of the African Union that facilitates cooperation among Member States in intellectual property matters, with the objective of pooling financial and human resources and seeking technological advancement for economic, social, technological, scientific and industrial development.

The Board of Appeal handles appeals by applicants from the rulings/decisions arising from the review and examination of patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and other types of intellectual property rights filed through the ARIPO system.

Prof. Mwakaje’s appointment is a significant achievement, not only for himself but also for UDSM and its School of Law, highlighting their shared commitment to advancing intellectual property rights across Africa. His role on the ARIPO Board of Appeal will involve serving the interests of the entire continent, ensuring that intellectual property laws are applied fairly and effectively to support innovation and economic growth.

UDSM strong partnership with ARIPO

The University of Dar es Salaam maintains a strong partnership with ARIPO, which is underscored by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that fosters collaboration in intellectual property education and policy development.

A key initiative under this partnership is the joint Master's programme in Intellectual Property, offered by UDSoL in collaboration with ARIPO. This programme aims to develop a new generation of experts who will drive intellectual property advancement and innovation across Africa.

The University of Dar es Salaam School of Law is recognized for its excellence in legal education and its commitment to fostering an environment of innovation and intellectual growth. The partnership with ARIPO and the collaborative Master's programme in Intellectual Property are testaments to the School’s dedication to preparing students and professionals to address complex intellectual property challenges in Africa and beyond.