The Federal Government in a bid to transform the Nigerian industrial landscape on Tuesday launched an Intellectual Property Automated System.
The system, which was launched by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Olusegun Aganga at the ministry’s headquarters is the first to be inaugurated in the country’s 100 years history.
The IPAS is a world acclaimed system of automated processing of applications for the registration of Trademarks Patents and Industrial Designs.
He said after 100 years of manual service, the ministry, as part of its industrial revolution plan, is launching the system.
This according to him would be the biggest system in africa.
He said,“The inauguration of the IPAS today is a big milestone in the transformation agenda of this administration.
“This is even more significant because it is the first of its kind in 100 years and, as the representative of the World Intellectual Property Organisation has said, it will be the biggest in Africa.
“With the Implementation of the IPAS, Nigeria will join 16 countries, out of the 53 on the African Continent, who have deployed the Service.
“For investors, the services will be more efficient, quicker and cheaper and there will be transparency and accountability.”
The minister said the introduction of IPAS will further improve the integrity and standards of all applications that emanate from Nigeria.
” It will enhance the confidence of both the local and international communities and further encourage local and foreign direct investment in the country. This is about consumer and investment protection and it is a very good development for the country.
“The IPAS will enhance the quality of examinations, decisions and services offered to applicants and the general public. The better services will further improve the image of Nigeria, while encouraging investors, international companies and the international community to register their Industrial Property assets, in line with international best practice, in Nigeria.”
Also speaking at the event, the Director, Commercial Law, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ms. Salman Mann, noted that the Nigerian public would benefit from a more efficient system, which would create wealth and more jobs for the people.
The Project Manager, WIPO, Mr. Hisham Fayed, stated that the computerization programme would help in improving the speed of the application for patents trademarks and industrial designs.
“This will reflect on the quality of the service that will be provided to the applicants. It will also enhance the image of the ministry and that of Nigeria and give investors more confidence to come and invest in Nigeria,” he added.
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