By Desmond Gbeleh Wion
Monrovia – Liberia will join the rest of the world to celebrate World Intellectual Property (IP) Day on April 26. This year’s theme is “Intellectual Property and Music – Feel the Beat!” The local theme is about how IP and the creative sector can help push the ARREST Agenda forward.
The event is being planned by the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO), and it will happen in two places. The first part will take place at Monrovia City Hall with a conference, while the second part will happen at the Invincible Sports Park, where there will be music and sports.
Speaking during the MICAT regular press briefing, LIPO boss Hon. Garmai Koibo said the program will bring together musicians, business people, lawmakers, government officials, artists, and students. She said the idea is to talk about IP laws and how people can benefit from protecting their creative works. People will also learn about copyrights, trademarks, and patents.
On the same day, there will be live music from some of Liberia’s best artists. Different types of music like Afrobeat, Hipco, reggae, and gospel will be played to show the country’s rich talent. At the same time, there will be a trade fair for small business people to show and sell their goods. This will include clothes makers, tech people, and others who use their ideas to make money.
Hon. Koibo said this celebration is to teach people how their ideas and talents can help them improve their lives and grow the economy. She also said over 400 students and 40 teachers have already been trained in IP, and LIPO wants to open more offices around the country. She admitted that lack of money is a challenge, but she is committed to making sure IP education reaches every county, not just Montserrado.
The event is free and open to the public. Everyone is encouraged to come and enjoy the music, learn something new, and support Liberia’s creative sector. According to Hon. Koibo, protecting people’s ideas is part of the ARREST Agenda, especially when it comes to the rule of law and giving rights to creators.
The events will be held on April 23 and the main celebration on April 26. LIPO is calling on the public to come out and “Feel the Beat” with Liberia’s creative minds.
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