The Minister of Justice has urged Namibians to register their work, including trademarks, patents and copyrights - to protect these from counterfeits.

Yvonne Dausab made this call during a three-day meeting of the Judges Colloquium on Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights in Africa at Swakopmund. 

Cases of counterfeit goods flooding the market and resulting in losses for those dealing in authentic brands is not a new phenomenon.

Dausab highlighted the need to increase awareness around property rights across the country to curb piracy and protect innovation and investment. 

The minister applauded the Business and Intellectual Property Authority, saying since its establishment in 2016, the agency has made significant progress toward creating a conducive environment for intellectual property rights holders, users and innovators.

"Namibia, we have put in place a comprehensive legal framework to protect intellectual property rights which includes the industrial act of 2012 that deals with patients, trade markers, utility models, and industrial designs registration and protection on the copyright act of 1994 that ventures into the protection of our creative industries this legal instruments provide a solid foundation for the protection of IP in Namibia: OUT

The event was attended by various distinguished jurists from the continent.

Chief Justice Peter Shivute's speech, delivered on his behalf by Shafimana Ueitele, urges the jurist representing various jurisdictions at the event to take the message of intellectual property rights seriously so that the right holders are protected and benefit from the fruit of their labor.
 

Also speaking at the occasion, were the Director General of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization, Bemanya Twebaze, and International Intellectual U.S Department of Justice Tanya Hill.