Honorable Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, and his deputies, other government officials present; distinguished members of the media, esteemed partners, ladies, and gentlemen: 

I bring you greetings from the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) as I share with you the strides my administration at LIPO is making in advancing intellectual property (IP) across the country. These initiatives are not only testaments to our dedication to protecting and nurturing creativity and innovation in Liberia but also represent our firm commitment to President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda.

 In a world increasingly driven by knowledge, creativity, and innovation, intellectual property protection is a critical pillar that strengthens Liberia’s socio-economic fabric. Through our collective work, we have taken significant steps to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the youth, creative industries, and researchers. These strides align seamlessly with the ARREST Agenda's core pillars, as they seek to harness the potential of Liberians, create jobs, and boost economic prosperity.

We do so by ensuring that creativity and innovation are protected and valued, thereby laying the groundwork for a knowledge-based economy that prioritizes the protection of intellectual assets and encourages innovation across various sectors under the administration of His Excellency, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr. 

Therefore, allow me to present to you a detailed overview of our completed projects, ongoing initiatives, and plans that collectively underscore our unwavering commitment to fortifying the Liberia IP ecosystem, which in return directly supports the President's ARREST Agenda, positioning Liberia as a hub of creativity, innovation, and opportunity on the African continent. 

1. Three-Month Awareness Campaign: Reaching Out to the Heart of Liberia 
2. Training of Over 200 SMEs in Intellectual Property Asset Management in Collaboration with ARIPO

3. The Intellectual Property Clubs Initiative: Building the Next Generation of Intellectual Property Champions

   The first initiative that I wish to highlight is our ongoing three-month Intellectual Property awareness campaign, which represents a critical effort by the Government of Liberia to educate and sensitize the Liberian populace about the significance of intellectual property rights. This campaign has taken a multifaceted approach, involving outreach programs in three counties, an influencer-driven campaign, and a weekly radio segment titled the "Intellectual Property Hour." Our outreach efforts, which have so far engaged communities in Montserrado County and Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, have allowed us to directly interact with Liberians, including musicians, authors, entrepreneurs, and inventors, at the grassroots level, providing them with the education and understanding necessary to protect their creative works and innovations while respecting intellectual property rights. Additionally, the second component of this campaign—the influencer campaign—is geared towards leveraging celebrity personalities across various sectors to amplify our Intellectual Property awareness message to a broader audience, especially the youth. These influencers have helped break down the complexities of Intellectual Property into understandable and clear content, inspiring future generations to take an interest in protecting their creativity and innovations. Moreover, the "Intellectual Property Hour" radio show on JoyFM every Friday at 4 pm has become a flagship educational tool, creating a platform where experts discuss IP issues, share success stories, and answer questions from the public. This weekly engagement has enabled us to connect with thousands of listeners in a very short period.  The significance of these campaigns lies in the fact that awareness is the foundation upon which a strong Intellectual Property culture is built. Therefore, by reaching out to the grassroots level, we are ensuring that every Liberian understands the value of protecting their creations. These initiatives are not just about fulfilling our mission; they are about contributing to President Boakai's vision of an enlightened society that can harness its creative potential for national development.  Another key milestone in our journey so far is the recent training of over 200 SMEs in intellectual property asset management by LIPO in collaboration with the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO). This training was designed to equip SMEs with the knowledge and skills to identify, protect, and leverage their IP assets as part of their business strategy. Given that SMEs are the backbone of our economy, this initiative was of utmost importance and is a direct response to the ARREST Agenda’s focus on economic revival. It ensures that our entrepreneurs can use Intellectual Property rights as tools to enhance their competitiveness, attract investment, and compete in the global marketplace.  Additionally, we have embarked on the pilot edition of the Intellectual Property High School Clubs Initiative among a few schools in Montserrado County. At the end of this competition, students will have the opportunity to participate in a National Intellectual Property Competition, with the winning school representing Liberia in a regional competition against Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Malawi. This groundbreaking initiative, sponsored by our partners WIPO and ARIPO, aims to foster a culture of innovation and respect for intellectual property among young Liberians while providing them with a platform to showcase their talents on an international stage. This investment in our youth is about building a foundation for sustained growth and innovation in our country, which is an integral part of President Boakai’s vision for an empowered and skilled youth population.

4. Provision of Office Space to the Manufacturing Union of Liberia to further support the local manufacturing sector, the Government of Liberia through LIPO has provided office space to the Manufacturing Union of Liberia. This move is part of the government's broader strategy to create an enabling environment for Liberian manufacturers to thrive. By providing this support, the government is helping the Union streamline its operations, collaborate more effectively, and work on strategies that align with Intellectual Property protections. This provision speaks to the government’s commitment to fostering industrial growth and supporting local manufacturing. The President's ARREST Agenda emphasizes revival and economic empowerment, and by supporting our manufacturers, we are laying the groundwork for increased domestic production and job creation. 

5. Signing of an MOU with the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) for the Establishment of the Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) We have also signed a landmark MOU with the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) for the establishment of a Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC). This center is designed to provide innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs with access to the latest technological resources, enabling them to develop and protect their innovations more effectively. 

6. Graduation of 30 SMEs from a 6-Month IP Management Clinic, Conducted in Collaboration with WIPO 

   The establishment of this center is a significant step toward fostering innovation in Liberia, particularly in the agricultural sector, which is vital to our economy. This initiative aligns with the ARREST Agenda’s focus on regeneration and transformation, as it directly contributes to agricultural innovation, food security, and sustainable development. Another important milestone was the graduation of 30 SMEs from a six-month IP Management Clinic, conducted in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This clinic provided participants with in-depth training on IP management, helping SMEs navigate the complexities of IP protection, commercialization, and enforcement. This initiative further demonstrates the Government of Liberia's commitment through LIPO to building the capacity of SMEs, thereby enabling them to thrive in the competitive business landscape. It reinforces our dedication to empowering Liberian businesses to utilize IP as a tool for growth and economic empowerment.

 7. Ongoing Accessible Books Consortium (ABC) Project in Collaboration with WIPO We are also involved in the ongoing Accessible Books Consortium (ABC) project, in collaboration with WIPO, aimed at increasing the availability of books in accessible formats for people who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled. This project is not only about inclusivity but also about ensuring that all Liberians have access to knowledge and information, regardless of their physical abilities.

8. Training of Staff and Police Officers in IP to Strengthen Capacity and Integration of the Online IPAS Filing System.

 Capacity-building remains a central priority in our efforts to strengthen Liberia’s IP ecosystem. In this regard, we have undertaken the training of our staff and several police officers to enhance their understanding of intellectual property laws and enforcement mechanisms. This initiative is aimed at building a more robust legal framework for IP protection in Liberia, as well as ensuring that law enforcement agencies are equipped to tackle issues such as piracy and IP theft.

The integration of an online IPAS filing system for IP registration has also been a significant development, streamlining the process of IP registration and making it more accessible to individuals and businesses across the country. These efforts align with the ARREST Agenda’s focus on accountability and safety, as they contribute to a more transparent, efficient, and secure IP ecosystem. 

Future Projects: Building on Our Achievements 

As we celebrate our achievements, we are also looking ahead to future projects that will further enhance the Liberia IP ecosystem:

Pending Partnership with the Liberia National Police and the Liberia Revenue Authority: We are on the verge of formalizing a partnership to strengthen enforcement against piracy and IP theft. This collaboration will be instrumental in curbing illegal activities that undermine the creative and innovative efforts of our citizens.

Upcoming Conference to Launch the Women and Youth IP Project: Recognizing the importance of empowering women and youth, we will soon launch the Women and Youth IP project. This initiative will provide targeted support and training, enabling these groups to harness the power of IP to protect their innovations and participate more actively in the knowledge economy. 

Second Phase of the IP Management Clinic: Building on the success of the first clinic, we will launch the second phase to benefit a larger pool of SMEs, aiming to deepen their understanding of IP management. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the initiatives we have embarked upon over the past months, and the projects that lie ahead, all serve to strengthen Liberia's intellectual property ecosystem, promote innovation, and protect the rights of our creators and innovators. These efforts contribute significantly to President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda by fostering an environment where creativity and innovation can thrive, supporting SMEs, and providing opportunities for youth and marginalized groups to excel. 

The Liberia Intellectual Property Office remains committed to ensuring that every Liberian has the opportunity to benefit from their creative endeavors and intellectual contributions. We will continue to work tirelessly to build a robust IP system that supports economic growth, cultural enrichment, and technological advancement in our beloved country. 

Thank you, and together, let's continue this journey towards a prosperous future.