Copyright

The Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority (EGIPA) has recently enacted two significant legal instruments - Decree No. 26 of 2025 and Decision No. 34 of 2025 - which introduce substantial modifications to the country’s patent fee structure and procedural timelines.

Under Decree No. 26, published in Official Gazette No. 132 on 17 June 2025 and effective as of 18 June 2025, the official examination fee for patent applications has doubled, increasing from EGP 25,000 to EGP 50,000 (approximately USD 1,060).

The concept of artificial intelligence (AI) is a global phenomenon that has taken over every aspect of life. AI is the possibility and capability of computer systems to perform human-designed tasks with little or no errors. Early innovators and researchers of AI believed that human intelligence and behaviour could be neatly copied and translated by intelligent machines that had been designed to do so. In Nigeria and globally, AI has been widely accepted and indoctrinated across various fields of life.

The intersection of intellectual property (IP) and genomics is reshaping the landscape of healthcare, biotechnology, and business in Nigeria. Genomics—the study of an organism’s entire genetic material—has profound implications for medical research, personalised medicine, agriculture, and pharmaceutical innovations. However, ensuring equitable benefits and commercial viability requires a robust IP framework.

From music and film to fashion and digital content, Nigeria’s creative sectors are thriving on a global scale. 

Olusola Tunmise-Ajani explores how strengthening legal frameworks and enhancing awareness of intellectual property rights can empower Nigerian creatives to protect, structure, and monetise their creative works.

During the interview, Angela highlighted the music industry and emphasized the importance of artists actively safeguarding their creative works and legal rights.

Access the full interview here.

Every year, WIPO dedicates a theme to World Intellectual Property Day, celebrated on April 26th. In 2025, the theme is 'IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IP,' aiming to raise awareness about the importance of intellectual property in the music sector.

The Copyright Amendment Bill (CAB) in South Africa has been one of the most debated legislative proposals in recent years, aiming to modernise the country’s copyright framework.

As of 2024, the bill is among 20 pieces of legislation awaiting President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signature, but its enactment has been delayed due to concerns over its constitutionality. The bill has been referred to the Constitutional Court for review, a decision that will significantly impact South Africa’s creative and intellectual property landscape.

Africa is beginning to make its mark in the international space sector, driven by growing investment and innovation. The 2025 inauguration of the African Space Agency represents a key milestone in this expansion.

On February 17, 2025, Angela Adebayo Agbe-Davies, Regional Director at Inventa Nigeria, led the masterclass “Exploring Governance Models and Intellectual Property” at the 5th edition of The Creative Class Programme by The Assembly Hub.