AfrIPI Mission Assists IPOM in Transforming Office Operations for Improved Efficiency and Client Experience

The Intellectual Property Office of Mauritius (IPOM) has embarked on a digital transformation journey to enhance its office operations, aiming to improve client experience and overall efficiency. In collaboration with the AfrIPI project, IPOM is set to automate various back-office processes, introduce e-filing and classification systems, enable online payments, and make valuable data easily accessible to the public through global search databases like TMview.

As part of this initiative, a team from AfrIPI recently travelled to Mauritius to provide valuable support and expertise in digitalisation efforts. The team engaged in several activities during their mission, including presenting an overview of the AfrIPI project to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and International Trade, Maneesh Gobin, demonstrating innovative IT tools to the office and select staff, and conducting an on-site assessment of the file registry and IT systems at the Mauritius IPO.

One of the significant achievements during the AfrIPI mission was the enthusiastic endorsement of the initiatives by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and International Trade. The Minister fully supported AfrIPI, recognising its potential to revolutionise IPOM’s operations and enhance Mauritius’ intellectual property (IP) landscape.

Looking ahead, AfrIPI will assist with integrating flagship tools, including TMview and TMclass HDB, followed by front office solutions. Additionally, IPOM plans to initiate a procurement process to digitise approximately 35 000 trade mark files at the IPO, further streamlining their operations and ensuring accessibility to vital information.

The digitalisation efforts undertaken by IPOM, with the valuable assistance of the AfrIPI project, are poised to bring about significant improvements in the efficiency and accessibility of IP services in Mauritius. Through the integration of cutting-edge technologies, IPOM aims to enhance client satisfaction, accelerate processes, and foster innovation and economic growth in the country’s IP sector.