Cabo Verde Hosts an Exchange of Anticounterfeiting Best Practices for Lusophone African Countries
Cidade da Praia, Cabo Verde (September 18, 2024) — A landmark event was held in the heart of Cabo Verde as the Institute for Quality Management and Intellectual Property (IGQPI) convened with the Portuguese Institute for Industrial Property (INPI) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), under the Intellectual Property Rights & Innovation in Africa Project (AfrIPI), to tackle the pressing issue of counterfeiting in Lusophone countries in Africa. This three-day exchange, held from September 18-20, 2024, promises to be a game-changer in the fight against counterfeit goods and intellectual property theft.
"Ana Bandeira, president of INPI, shared: 'The success we've had in Portugal with the Anti-Counterfeiting Group, a collaborative effort between national enforcement authorities and civil society organisations, is truly inspiring. When we signed the memorandum of understanding with Cape Verde in 2019, we pledged to provide all necessary technical assistance for the establishment of an Anti-Counterfeiting Group in the country, along with other bilateral cooperation activities. It's heartening to see the ambition in Cape Verde's Intellectual Property Policy Charter to create a multi-sectoral committee to coordinate actions against counterfeiting and piracy. The fight against counterfeiting is a global mission that demands cooperation and knowledge sharing, and we are committed to this cause."
This collaborative effort aimed to foster a dynamic exchange of experiences, bolster technical expertise, and forge stronger ties amongst the African Lusophone nations in the battle against counterfeit products. INPI Portugal, a powerhouse in the field of counterfeiting, together with EUIPO, played a unique and crucial role in sharing their wealth of knowledge and best practices as part of the 'Team Europe' strategy. Their expertise was instrumental in helping Cabo Verde, Angola, and other African Lusophone countries establish effective anticounterfeiting measures and robust legal frameworks.
"This workshop is extremely important for Portuguese-speaking countries, as it will provide a space for exchanging experiences, good practices and knowledge about a global problem: counterfeiting and piracy, which directly affect the world economy and the economies of our countries significantly. These illegal activities violate the rights of creators & innovators and jeopardise economic growth, reduce companies' competitiveness and put consumers' health and safety at risk. On the other hand, this initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between Intellectual Property Offices and the institutions responsible for inspection in Portuguese-speaking countries in the fight against counterfeiting and piracy in the CPLP.
For Cape Verde, in a year in which IGQPI is celebrating its 10th anniversary, this event marks an important step towards the creation of the Cape Verde Anti-Counterfeiting Group, one of the strategies of the National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy -PENPI, which aims to intensify the fight against counterfeiting and piracy in our country," said Ana Paula Spencer, President of IGQPI's Board of Directors.
The event's agenda features a captivating lineup of discussions and workshops. Participants delved into Cabo Verde's unique experiences enforcing and protecting intellectual property rights, offering invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of combating counterfeiting in the region. Representatives from other African Lusophone countries, including Angola, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, and Sao Tomé & Príncipe, shared their experiences and strategies, creating a rich tapestry of knowledge and collaboration.
Tiago da Trindade, Head of Service, EU-funded projects (EUIPO), affirmed EUIPO's commitment to a unified approach to the fight against counterfeiting, respecting the diversity of legal systems and economic contexts while pursuing our shared goals of safeguarding intellectual property, protecting consumers and the environment, and ensuring fair competition. EUIPO recognises that no single country can effectively tackle the challenge of counterfeiting. Lasting and holistic solutions require a concerted and collaborative effort between nations, drawing on their collective knowledge: competencies, experiences and resources.
A highlight of the exchange was an interactive roundtable discussion, fostering a lively exchange of ideas, best practices, and innovative solutions to the multifaceted issue of counterfeiting. This collaborative dialogue equiped participants with a deeper understanding of protecting intellectual property and combating illicit trade, ultimately leading to a more robust and unified approach across Lusophone nations.