WIPO and ARIPO sign MOU to expand cooperation

This will enable ARIPO to provide value-added patent information services to its member countries. WIPO and ARIPO will cooperate in the development of patent information tools to demonstrate the value of patent information and to increase awareness about the utilisation of patent information.  

The two organisations will jointly organise symposia, seminars, workshops and other training programs in the area of patent information to address particular needs and requirements of users from ARIPO member countries.

WIPO will integrate the patent information provided ‘y ARIPO and its member states into WIPO’s patentscope. Search Service to encourage the broader dissemination and use of this data.  

ARIPO, established in 1976, deals with the harmonisation of IP procedures, awareness-building, and administration of IP rights among its 16 member states which include Botswana, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Swaziland, United Republic of Tanzania.