World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
Botswana places intellectual property at the core of is economic development, especially, its economic diversification strategy. Intellectual Property is protected under two legislations being; the Industrial Property Act (CAP 68:03) and the Copyright and Neighbouring rights Act (CAP 68:02).
The Industrial Property Act offer protection of trademarks, Patents, Utility Models and Industrial designs. This Act is being amended to include traditional knowledge, protection of layout designs of integrated circuits, and geographical indications. The Copyright and Neighbouring rights Act protects authors, artists and other creators for their literary and artistic creations, including novels, poems, plays, films, musical works, drawings, paintings, photographs and sculptures.
At multilateral level, Botswana as a member of World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)
WIPO
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. It is dedicated to developing a balanced and accessible international intellectual property (IP) system, which rewards creativity, stimulates innovation and contributes to economic development while safeguarding the public interest.
Core tasks
- Assists Governments and organisations to develop policies, structures and skills needed to harness the potential of IP for economic development
- Works with Governments to develop international IP law
- Administers treaties
- Runs global registration system of trademarks, industrial designs and appellation of origin and filling system for patents,
- dispute resolution
- provides forum for informed debate and for the exchange of expertise
Botswana is a member of the following WIPO bodies:
- Bern Convention
- Hague Agreement
- Madrid Protocol
- Paris Convention
- Patent Cooperation Treaty
- WIPO Convention
- WIPO Copyright Treaty
- WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty
For further reference:
Botswana’s Ministry of Trade and Industry
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
(information by country: Botswana)