Monday 22 April 2013

IPcommentator

A review of African official IP websites: no.40: São Tomé and Príncipe

When this Leo visited the Portuguese-speaking island nation in the Gulf of Guinea last year, he found no online activity or presence for the intellectual property (IP) office. Fast-forward to 2013 and suddenly, we find a website for the Industrial Property National Service (SENAPI). 

Well, there can only be two conclusions for today's discovery: (a) The website was in existence as of 19 March 2012 but this Leo did not find it during his research (Afro Leo says, "most unlikely"); or (b) The relevant government department (perhaps, the Ministry of Planning and Development) took notice that a website is almost like a 21st century requirement for any functioning IP office (Afro Leo thinks this is more likely than not since countries (developed or developing) like to keep up with international best practices and/or standards).

IPcommentator

IPcommentator

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