Apply now for the ARIPO Intellectual Property Journalists Award Competition

The African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO) (www.ARIPO.org), in partnership with the Intellectual Property Rights & Innovation (AfrIPI) Project, is pleased to announce the inauguration of the ARIPO Intellectual Property Journalists Award competition, set to take place in 2024. This groundbreaking initiative, the first of its kind on the African continent, aims to acknowledge and reward exemplary journalism that promotes public awareness and comprehension of intellectual property (IP) rights across the 22 ARIPO Member States.

ARIPO and AfrIPI invite journalists to submit their work, showcasing their contributions to raising awareness about IP rights through various media platforms. This competition underscores the vital role of journalists in educating the public about the benefits and significance of IP protection. By recognizing exceptional journalism, ARIPO and AfrIPI seek to foster high-quality reporting that cultivates positive perceptions of IP and addresses emerging challenges related to IP rights in Africa.

Application Submission – Apply now for the ARIPO Intellectual Property Journalists Award Competition

Journalists from the ARIPO Member States are encouraged to submit their coverage of IP-related subjects for the Apply now for the ARIPO Intellectual Property Journalists Award Competition across print, radio, television, and digital media via a dedicated online portal (https://apo-opa.co/3SBddR0). A panel of esteemed experts will oversee the judging process, assessing submissions based on multiple criteria. These criteria include the ability to clarify complex IP issues for public understanding, effectively examining the role of IP in daily life, and drawing connections between IP and contemporary social and business trends.

Submissions for the ARIPO Intellectual Property Journalists Award competition must exhibit a thorough comprehension of various intellectual property (IP) concepts and convey them in a manner that is accessible to the general public. Judges will seek entries that simplify complex IP subjects into understandable components, thereby making IP relevant and relatable to a wider audience. Furthermore, it is vital to explore the significance of IP in daily life; submissions should illustrate how IP influences individuals and communities, emphasizing practical applications and advantages.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are essential for fostering development in Africa. They serve as a foundation for safeguarding inventions, innovations, and creative works while stimulating economic advancement. The continent’s abundant and varied resources present significant opportunities for creativity, as well as scientific and technological progress. Nevertheless, the enforcement of IP rights in Africa encounters numerous obstacles, including the necessity for development agendas and frameworks for science, technology, and innovation. In spite of these challenges, IPR acts as a catalyst for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063.

ARIPO is an intergovernmental organization that promotes collaboration among its Member States in matters related to intellectual property. Its objective is to enhance creativity and innovation for the socio-economic development of its Member States through a robust intellectual property system.

AfrIPI (www.AfrIPI.org/en) is a pan-African initiative designed to assist the European Union in managing, utilizing, protecting, and enforcing intellectual property rights throughout Africa. AfrIPI adheres to best practices in IP rights and supports the African Continental Free Trade Area as well as the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Deadline – Apply now for the ARIPO Intellectual Property Journalists Award Competition

ARIPO and AfrIPI invite all qualified journalists to engage in this ARIPO Intellectual Property Journalists Award competition, aiming to enhance the awareness and education of intellectual property throughout Africa. This initiative not only acknowledges outstanding journalism but also fosters a greater comprehension of intellectual property rights and their significance in facilitating progress and development.

The submission window for the ARIPO Intellectual Property Journalists Award competition is available from August 5, 2024, to September 14, 2024.