WORLD IP DAY 2018- Powering Change: Women in Innovation & Creativity

On this day, we celebrate women around the world who have made innovations and creations in their respective fields and made an impact in the society. This includes innovations in science and technology, research and development, academics and original creations in the creative industries. Intellectual Property (IP) has played a continuous role in protecting these creations and increasing their value.

A look into history takes us to Mar Dixon Kies- the first woman in U.S.A to receive a U.S patent (in 1809) for "weaving straw with silk or thread to make hats". This patent record was unfortunately destroyed in 1836 in "The Great Patent Fire". Later on, in 1845, Sarah Mather obtained a patent for inventing a "submarine telescope and lamp" which allowed maritime vessels to analyse the ocean's depths. 

In 1902, Marie Curie successfully conducted pioneering research in radioactive theory for which she received a Nobel Prize. She was also the first person to win a Nobel Prize twice and in two separate sciences- Physics (1903) and Chemistry (1911).

Others include Stephanie Kwolek who invented Kevlar fibre in 1965. The unique material is "five times stronger than steel" and is used in making musical instruments, bicycle tyres, frying pans, racing sails and bullet proof vests. In the area of research, Dr Shirley Ann Jackson made her mark as the first African-American woman to get a PhD from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Her research on "subatomic particles" paved the way for inventions such as fibre optic cables, portable fax, touch tone telephone and solar cells.

There are certain inventions by women that were either taken or made popular by other parties. A good example is Elizabeth Magie who invented the game "Monopoly" (originally called "The Landlord Game") in 1904. The game was later appropriated and sold to the "Parker Brothers" who eventually found Magie and paid her $500 for it. Similarly, Rosalind Franklin successfully proved Watson and Crick's theory of a "double DNA helix" and took the first "x-ray diffraction picture of DNA". Based on this photograph, James Watson and Francis Crick worked out the 3-dimensional structure of DNA. They received a Nobel prize in 1962 for this, at which time Franklin had already passed.

The Landlord's Game invented by E.Maggie (THE STRONG)

Marie Curie won two Nobel Prizes (GETTY)

In celebration of World IP day, the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) has recognised some of the female inventors, creators and change agents influencing innovation and creativity around the world.

One of these women is Sandra Mjöll Jónsdóttir, the CEO of Platome Biotechnology. Through her company, she has worked extensively to reinvent the process of growing human cells by "creating life science reagents that are completely free from animal components". This is done by transforming waste blood products into "valuable products" that are exploitable by scientists all over the world. Using her company as a case study, she emphasises that IP should come first for Science and Technology companies as this is what allows companies succeed and gives them "unique competitive advantage in the market." Her message to girls and women around the world is: "Believe in yourself and stand up for yourself. Don’t let the fear of failure get in the way of your success. Your ideas are valuable and they are unique, but if you never pursue them, you will never find out their true potential."

Rhona Eastman Jack is a seamstress, entrepreneur and inventor from Trinidad and Tobago. She solved the portability problem of traditional long sewing rulers by inventing the "Udazzle fashion ruler". According to her, it is important for women to take advantage of innovation and invention to boost their world economic status and build self confidence. She calls on all girls and women to innovate: "Look around you. Invention is a solution to a problem. Let’s use our God-given talent to find innovative solutions."

Even in education, women are making breakthroughs in science in technology. For example, advanced diploma students at the Higher College of Technology in Muscat, Oman (Heba Khalifa Al-Ghafri, Faeza Abdullah Al-Khatri, and Sharifa Hamad Al-Qutati) invented a natural product from a plant extract that enhances hair regrowth. They have gone ahead to register their intellectual property for protection and further development.

Ruth Soetendorp, an academic who teaches IP Management at Bournemouth University, has researched and advocated for IP education for the past 30 years. She believes that women bring a unique perspective to the innovative process through their experiences, history and approach to life.  According to her, "Global economies need the brilliance, ingenuity, curiosity, courage, and diversity of women's contribution to ensure the success of our common future."  Also, there is a dire need for the recognition and encouragement of young women's "inquisitive creativity" in an environment that emphasises the role of IP in "translating natural talents to commercially valuable assets."

Sandra Mjöll Jónsdóttir, CEO  Platome Biotech (WIPO)

Rhona Eastman Jack invented Udazzle fashion ruler (WIPO)

Africa is of course not left out. Ivory Coast's Elisabeth Yoboue is CEO of SOLEEN, which promotes and supplies environmental and energy solutions aimed at reducing pollution. Through IP, the brand "Soleen" is known around the world as a "local change maker with global relevance. She admonishes women and girls around the world to be confident and go for success because the world is theirs.

Likewise, Senegal’s Abibatou Banda Fall runs ARADES (Association for Research Action Development and Environment in the Sahel). This is a non-profit organization which empowers women and young people with the skills to make a living from design and use of organic bread bags, thermal baskets, food processing, crafts, and more.

This list is not exhaustive. There are still many women involved in creativity and innovation in various communities around the world. In the words of Lisa Jorgenson, the Executive Director for the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), World IP Day 2018 is about celebrating "the brilliance, ingenuity, curiosity and determination of women who have shaped our past, who are driving change in our world and influencing our future". However more needs to be done to encourage girls and women to invest their time and intellect in creation and innovation with a view to making a difference in their environment. According to WIPO, less than one-third of international patent applications filed in 2015 included female inventors. Although this is classed as an improvement from the previous figure of 17% in 1997, there is still more work to be done in closing the gender gap and eradicating the stereotype of 'male-dominated fields'. The celebration of the accomplishments of these women is not a mere contribution to the feminist rhetoric but seeks to inspire 'would-be' creators and inventors around the world to rise up and make their own contributions to solving problems in the society. Using Intellectual property as a tool, they will be able to protect these creations and maximize the benefits to themselves and to the society at large.

We leave you with the official message of Francis Gurry, Director General of WIPO and wish you all a Happy World IP Day!

WORLD IP DAY 2018

Since 2010, April 26^th has been designated World Intellectual Property (IP) day by WIPO member states. It was also on this day that the WIPO Convention came into force. The aim of the World IP day is to discover and further understand "the role of intellectual property rights in encouraging innovation and creativity".

This year's theme is tagged "Powering Change:  Women in Innovation and Creativity" and aims to celebrate "the brilliance, ingenuity, curiosity and courage of women who are driving change in our world and shaping our common future". 

Over the years, women have continued to make valuable contributions to medicine, science and technology, as well as niche areas such as astrophysics, nanotechnology, robotics and artificial intelligence.  There are also many women in the creative industries. These women have broken boundaries and are attaining greater heights in creative art, literature, movies, music, designs, fashion and more. They are influencing change through their stage and TV productions, music, writings, designs and products; their "go-getting" attitude inspires the creative drive among young women around the world.

Today there are more women winning awards in the creative industries and sitting at the helms of affairs of various businesses. The achievements of such women deserve to be recognised in their own right and not just compared with those of their male counterparts. More so, there should greater involvement, contribution and collaboration among both sexes towards achieving increased innovation, global change and development.

This year's celebration reflects on "how the IP system can support innovative and creative women (and indeed everyone) in their quest to bring their amazing ideas to market."  Are you a female inventor, creator, industry executive or worker; with a passion for inspiring change? The #WorldIPDay is all about you. The IP Journal will be celebrating renowned and upcoming inventors, creators and business owners who have invested in making impact around the world. If you know someone who should be featured or would like to be featured yourself, you can share this by commenting below or sending a mail.  This will be part of the conversation in celebration of #WorldIPDay on April 26, 2018.

ANNOUNCING WORLD IP DAY 2017

Photo: World IP Day

On April 26th every year, the World IP day is celebrated with the purpose of "learning the role that intellectual property rights (patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyright) play in encouraging innovation and creativity."

According to the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), this year's focus is exploring "how innovation is making our lives healthier, safer, and more comfortable, turning problems into progress." In addition, the organisation highlighted the importance of looking "at how the intellectual property system supports innovation by attracting investment, rewarding creators, encouraging them to develop their ideas, and ensuring that their new knowledge is freely available so that tomorrow’s innovators can build on today’s new technology."

It is the creativity and innovation displayed by people around the world that tackles and solves global issues such as poverty, food availability, health and even climate change. The protection of these innovations by intellectual property rights creates an atmosphere where creativity can thrive and an incentive to encourage more innovation. It also ensures knowledge is shared by attracting investments and inter-territorial cooperation. 

We can all identify at least one way that innovation has changed our lives. Problems are solved by people who think long and hard about creating a solution. From the chair we sit on, to our laptops, mobile phones, light bulbs, cars etc. which are constantly improved on by new technologies; innovation is something that influences everyone around the world. However, depending on location and means, the levels of access to these technologies may vary.

WIPO is asking you to consider the following questions:

• Which innovation has most improved your life?
• What more can be done to make sure new technologies reach the people who need them? 
• What do you think should be the priorities for future innovation?

Join in this discussion by sharing the publicity materials  below on your social media handles using the tag: #worldipday

 

 For more information, see WIPO Website and World IP Day Facebook page.

COSON'S REQUEST FOR THE LAUNCH OF A CREATIVE & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ECONOMY IN NIGERIA FROM PRESIDENT BUHARI: Implications for Nigeria & Africa

The Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) held the NO MUSIC DAY on September 1, 2016, which was reported to be a success. According to COSON, many TV stations complied with the request to desist from airing any music between the hours of 8am and 10am on the said date, and proceeded to broadcast interviews, documentaries, debates and discussions on the rights of creative people and the impact that Nigeria’s creative industries can make to the revival of the dwindling national economy'. The Print Media also complied, with 'special features on issues dealing with creativity and innovation in the national economy'. Musicians, intellectual property lawyers and COSON's top representatives spoke on several issues relating to the theme and importance of the respect for copyright and intellectual property in ensuring the progress of the music industry. A 'command center' was also set up at COSON Headquarters, where the network of activities was being coordinated and the Chairman of COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji, had several live radio and television interviews on the telephone, with broadcast stations.

Chief Okoroji stated that, “Our key objective has been to engage the Nigerian people and the various governments on the potential contributions of Nigerian creativity to the development of the Nigerian nation and the necessity to fully deploy the substantial comparative advantage which our nation possesses in this area, so as to provide hundreds of thousands of well-paying jobs to the teeming masses of Nigerian youth ... ”

The Organisation thereafter held an open house event at COSON Headquarters which was attended by artistes, stakeholders in the industry and media representatives. At the event, COSON stated that 'this period of economic recession in Nigeria should provide important soul searching for the Nigerian nation', as the nation's dependence on oil and gas is in the past with a new era necessitating the building of the economy on the creative ingenuity of the people is beckoning. 

Delivering the 2016 Official Address on the State of the Nigerian Music Industry, Chief Tony Okoroji emphasised that this creative ingenuity of the Nigerian people can be seen in the popularity and wide reach of Nigerian music, movies, literature, fashion, programming, and similar creative products all around the world. Thus, making this an area in which Nigeria has significant comparative advantage.

According to Chief Okoroji, “We believe that President Muhammadu Buhari can give a marching order to both his Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo who has the training and the intellect to fully grasp the issues and his Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama who for several years was a respected Director at the World intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), to create real change in Nigeria. These gentlemen have the ability to kick start an intellectual property and creative revolution in our country which can change the story of Nigeria forever. Then we can inspire our citizens to create and invent things of value with the assurance that every work of creativity and invention will be protected by the nation and every creator and inventor can enjoy the fruits of his or her labour. We will then have taken a major step in assuring domestic and international investors that Nigeria is no longer a nation of ‘monkey dey work, baboon dey chop’ and that we are ready for the knowledge and digital economy”. He also stated that stakeholders in the creative industry have continuously requested for a proper audience with the government towards securing a knowledge and creatively driven economic future for the nation. COSON hopes that a positive response to this request from the government will be received promptly, so that the important task ahead can be tackled as soon as possible.

This approach by COSON is commended, as the need for investing in and securing the economic future of Nigeria is quite important. It requires a lot more diversity, into other rewarding sectors including Science and Technology, Agriculture, Intellectual Property and Entertainment. 

The President of the United States of America, President Obama previously stated that' if we are to win the future and be successful in an increasingly competitive international market, the United States of America must innovate.' The U.S. Commerce Department's  report titled "Intellectual Property and the U.S. Economy: Industries in Focus" dated April 11, 2012,  found that intellectual property (IP)-intensive industries support at least 40 million jobs and contribute more than $5 trillion dollars (34.8 percent) to the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP). According to the report, Innovation requires the generation of new ideas and putting them into commercial practice which is a key to securing a nation's economic growth. This is because once innovation is protected by a sound IP protection regime; it will create new jobs at every stage of the production process, grow imports, benefit both upstream and downstream sectors of the economy and promote innovative, open and competitive markets. 

Therefore, if Nigeria and other African countries are to succeed in developing their economies, there is the need to invest in a strong IP regime which requires amendment of current legislation on copyright, trademarks, patent and deigns, and enactment of new laws on new media, data protection and privacy, as well as image rights. There is also the need to generate new products and industries, as well as investing in scientific discoveries and technological innovation, in Universities and the nation at large. It is hoped that that the government of Nigeria and other African nations will respond promptly and positively to this need.

© September, 2016 by Lola Agbaje-Williams

WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DAY 2016

April 26 is a day set aside by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) to consider 'the role that intellectual property rights (patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyright) play in encouraging innovation and creativity.' It has been celebrated annually since 2010 as an acknowledgement of the impact of IP rights and the contributions of creators and innovators to the development of societies around the globe. Coincidentally, April is also the month that the Convention establishing WIPO entered into force in 1970.

This year's theme is 'Digital Creativity: Culture Reimagined'. According to WIPO, "This year, we are exploring the future of culture in the digital age: how we create it, how we access it, how we finance it. We will look into how a balanced and flexible intellectual property system helps ensure that those working in the creative sector and artists themselves are properly paid for their work, so they can keep creating."

The impact of digital technology of creative works cannot be overempahsised. This impact can be seen at different stages of the production and distribution process: from collaborations of experts across jurisdictions making specific significant contributions to the finished product, to the various digital distribution channels to consumers all around the world.

The creative opportunity has become more enormous and the economic implications for owners and the society at large have increased over time. There are however some challenges. According to WIPO, 'the challenge of a flexible, adaptive intellectual property system is to help ensure that the artists and creative industries in our digital universe can be properly paid for their work, so they can keep creating.'  Thus, it is imperative that the relevant Copyright legislation of various states are reviewed to accommodate the implications of a developing digital environment on copyright works. For instance, in November 2015, based on a resolve to reform the Nigerian Copyright system by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), a draft Copyright bill was made available to the public and stakeholders to make comments towards ensuring that the Draft Revised Copyright Bill addressed major concerns and areas where the previous Act was inconsistent with the realities of today.

Therefore, as we celebrate this day all around the world, let us as a society, a people, a government, acknowledge the importance of protecting and promoting creativity in a digital environment, for the sustenance, progress and economic growth of the nation.

COSON IS MAKING THE MUSIC PAY!

The Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) held its much anticipated COSON WEEK on November 1-7, 2015. After organising a successful Nigerian Digitial Music Summit in September 2015, the organisation successfully held several events aimed at celebrating music in the community. COSON has continued to show dedication to ensuring the music pays for Nigerian artistes by combining events aimed at educating the public and stakeholders in the music industry, as well as celebrating those who continue to contribute positively to the industry. These events also create awareness about the organisation’s accomplishments and projects.

One of the major resolutions of the Nigerian Digital Music Summit was the creation of the Nigerian Digital Music Monitoring Group to ensure the establishment of ‘the basic rules of engagement in the Digital Environment’.  In addition, the group is ‘mandated to work closely with the Nigerian Copyright Commission, the Nigerian Communications Commission, the National Information Technology Development Agency, the National Assembly and other relevant bodies to develop specific methods for the implementation of the resolutions of the Summit.’ Furthermore, it is charged to monitor progress in the exploitation of music in the digital environment and report at regular intervals on the state of progress made.

The Group held its inaugural meeting on October 22, 2015 at the COSON Headquarters in Opebi, Lagos. At the meeting, Mr. Audu Maikori, The President of the Chocolate City Group, was elected as Chairman and he promised to contribute greatly to the success of the group and the Nigerian Music Industry as a whole. Other members of the group include top music industry executives, copyright experts, government agencies and representatives of telecommunications operators in Nigeria.

The COSON Week 2015 commenced with COSON at the Church which held at Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) Prayer Dome, Maryland, Lagos on November 1, 2015; after a successful COSON in the Mosque on October 30. The event featured several clergymen and artistes/ entertainers such as Asu Ekiye, Princess Ann Inyang, Kofi, and was hosted by Victor Oladokun of the Christian broadcast programme ‘Turning Point’. According to the organisers, the event is ‘a superlative National day of prayer and invocation to the Almighty with the most captivating gospel singers across Nigeria and the most respected ministers of the gospel.’

The next event was The COSON Lecture which held on Monday, November 2 at the Banquet Hall, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. It was a gathering of a large group of ‘intellectuals, social, communication and legal scholars’, discussing the theme 'Intellectual Property Rights in the Digital Economy.' The lecture was delivered by Professor Bankole Sodipo, the founding President of the Intellectual Property Law Association of Nigeria (IPLAN); and also featured panellists such as Mr. Audu Maikori, (President Chocolate City Group), Lagbaja (masked Nigerian artiste), and Mr. Raymond Mgbeokwere (Head, Legal Services, First Bank of Nigeria) to further discuss the theme.

The keynote address was given by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo who was represented by Mr. Afam Ezekude, Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission. According to Prof. Osibajo, the theme of the lecture is ‘a contemporary, relevant and appropriate issue in the current circumstances of the Nigerian nation, considering Nigeria’s growing and diversifying economy... further and rapid diversification is vital to continuing and expanding the growth of the national economy’.

In addition, he stated that ‘the adoption of the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (also known as the TRIPS Agreement) as part of the World Trade Organizations instruments, adopted after the Uruguay rounds of trade negotiations, underscores the connection between protection of intellectual property rights and promotion of trade across national boundaries. The general belief is that a strong intellectual property regime encourages domestic innovation, creativity and commitment to research. These are vital ingredients for societal development’.

Guest speaker, Prof. Bankole Sodipo, furthered the discussion by calling for urgent action to be taken to ensure the passage by the National Assembly of a new draft of the Nigerian Copyright Act (recently released to the public by the Nigerian Copyright Commission) which addresses issues arising from the various technological developments as they affect copyright.

Another highlight of the event was the decoration with the Copyright Grand Medal of Prince Bola Ajibola, who is an elderstateman and legal luminary and has previously served as Nigeria’s former Attorney-General, former Judge of the World Court at the Hague, former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association. At 81 years of age, he joyfully expressed his appreciation to the organisers for such an honour which he was thankful to receive in his lifetime. He also recalled his experience with COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji 27 years ago, while the former was the Attorney General of the Federation that resulted in the promulgation of the present Copyright Act, just a month after promised.

COSON took it to the streets on Tuesday, November 3 with the 'nation’s musical stars cleaning the streets, controlling traffic and giving alms, while having a mobile party on the streets of Lagos'. The event flagged off at the National Theatre, Iganmu, went through Eko Bridge, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki and Ajah, where a major open air show held. This event was open to the public free of charge, unlike most others which were strictly by invitation.

On Wednesday, November 4, the COSON Green Ball held at the Shell hall of the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos. It was a beautiful evening of music and fine dining in support of the COSON Music Foundation, 'the non-profit trust which supports indigent Nigerian musicians and musicians in distress.' The event started with a unique Green Carpet with attendees showing off their beautiful green outfits. The show was chaired by the celebrated Senator (Princess) Florence Ita-Giwa.

The COSON All Stars Table Tennis Blow Out held on Thursday, November 5, at the Multipurpose Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. It was a battle between several Nigerian movie, music and comedy stars, along with their friends and fans such as Jaywon, Q Dot, Jhybo, Spydaman, Black Reverendz, YQ, Emeka Smith and Timi Dakolo who emerged as the overall winner. This event was also open to the general public.

The much anticipated COSON Song Awards held on Friday, November 6 at the New Expo Hall of Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island with the aim of ‘raising the bar and setting new standards in the organization of showbiz awards in Nigeria’. Like some of the other events, it commenced with a red carpet featuring some of our celebrated stars showing off their lovely outfits.

The Master of Songs Award, which is a life time achievement award, was presented to renowned musician and composer, Chief Ebenezer Obey who is also the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the COSON Music Foundation. The event also featured celebrities and dignitaries such as Jimi Agbaje, Prince Bisi Olatilo, Chief Ebenezer Obey, Majek Fashek, Ras Kimono Azeezat, Timi Dakolo, Baba Dee, Vector, Essence, Kenny Saint Brown,and many more. 

Here are the winners:

- BEST SONG IN MELODY: KISS DANIEL (WOJU)

- BEST SONG IN LYRICS: TIMI DAKOLO (WISH ME WELL)

- BEST LOVE SONG: TIMI DAKOLO (IYAWO MI)

- BEST GOSPEL SONG: JOE PRAIZ (MOST HIGH)

- BEST DANCE SONG: MC GALAXY (SEKEM)

- BEST RAP SONG: VECTOR (KING   KONG)

- MASTER OF SONGS:  CHIEF EBENEZER OBEY

- MOST UNCOMMON SONG:   KOREDE BELLO (GODWIN)

- HOTEST SONG ON THE STREET: LIL KESH (SHOKI)

- BEST COLLABO: PATORANKING FT. TIWASAVAGE (GIRLIE O REMIX)

- SONG OF SONGS: DAVIDO (AYE)

The grand finale was COSON Storms the Beach which held on Saturday, November 7 at Atikan Beach Resort, off Abraham Adesanya Estate, Ajah, Lagos. It was ‘a spectacular open air beach concert featuring a roll call of Nigeria’s ‘A’ list stars with unbelievable fireworks’, for all classes of people and the entire family. This massive beach party is the first of its kind to be organised by COSON and was purely focused on entertainment and ending the COSON WEEK in style. It featured newly reformed Majek Fashek along with his group, Vector the Viper, Chidinma, Ras Kimono, Baba Dee, Young Grace, Adekunle Gold, Joel and others.

COSON continues to represent the interests of its members by ensuring those who publicly perform or broadcast their musical works or sound recordings to the public both home and abroad, pay royalties for same. They remit royalties to the artistes regularly, according to the frequency of the public performance of members’ works by broadcast stations, advertising agencies, hotels, nightclubs, restaurants and other parties. Although, it is not compulsory to join a collecting society as an artiste, it is a much easier way of monitoring the use of your work, and ensuring you are paid for same. It is hoped that the organisation will continue to organise such events to educate the public on the importance of respecting intellectual property rights and be ever diligent in protecting the interests of its members. 

Source of facts: www.cosonng.com