Cabo Verde and EUIPO forge new IP cooperation agreement

To strengthen the intellectual property (IP) rights landscape in Cabo Verde, the Institute of Quality Management and Intellectual Property (IGQPI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). Signed during a high-level bilateral meeting held on the margins of the WIPO Assemblies in Geneva, Switzerland, the agreement initiates a partnership between the two organisations.

The IP cooperation agreement confirms Cabo Verde’s intention to integrate European Union Intellectual Property Network tools, such as TMClass (expected to go live soon), but also DesignClass, TMview and DesignView. The MoU strengthens cooperation and reinforces an efficient IP system to promote competitiveness and business growth in Cabo Verde. The EUIPO has committed to support the country in bringing its national IP framework in line with regional and international standards. It will consolidate the institutional capacities of the IGQPI by sharing experience and best practices and develop joint initiatives in priority areas, such as enforcement, IP awareness and education.

The EUIPO and IGQPI collaborate under the AfrIPI project. This agreement is the result of their continuous efforts to establish a mutually beneficial, sustainable and long-term partnership. Through this revitalised agreement, both institutions will make substantial progress in fostering an innovation-oriented culture and protecting IP rights in Cabo Verde while boosting business development in Africa.