World Intellectual Property Day 2021
shines a light on the critical role of small
and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in
the economy and how they can use
Intellectual Property (IP) rights to build
stronger, more competitive and resilient
businesses. The sole focus of this series
of workshops was to inform young and
aspiring entrepreneurs and school
leavers who are thinking of starting their
own businesses, on ways in which they
can capitalise on their intellectual
creations. Moreover, emphasizing the
importance of IP protection within
Samoa and abroad through registration with the Ministry’s Registries of Companies and Intellectual
Properties division (RCIP) . The Registries was able to expand on the principles of trademarks, industrial
designs, geographical indications and also the role of effective branding within a start-up business.
RCIP hosted a two day workshop with participants from around Apia central from the 20 th to the 21 st of April
at MCIL Conference Room, and continued this awareness program to our participants in Savaii on the 23 rd
April at Vaimoana Seaside Lodge, Asau and finally completed with a program at Rosalote Guestfales,
Sapapalii. The participants ranged from farmers, koko producers, retail shop owners, to young business
owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. We also had participants from our local law firms who were eager to
educate themselves on ways in which they can assist our business people with IP administration and
enforcement. Lastly, RCIP was fortunate to have present at our Savaii program, third year trade students
from Don Bosco Technical College in Salelologa who also aspired to become skilled tradesmen/women in
their respective fields and contribute to Samoa’s economy. A number of these students were eager to start
up their own businesses after graduating and now have the IP knowledge on ways in which they can protect
and promote the competitiveness of their businesses through branding and designs.
We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of the participants who took part in this series
of workshops.
END