The African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), in partnership with the government of Burkina Faso, organized, between October 24 and 26, 2024 in Ouagadougou, an international conference on the promotion of industrial designs and models in the member states his It was held on the sidelines of the 17th edition of the Ouagadougou International Crafts Fair (SIAO) which will be held from October 25 to November 3, 2024.
Design and Industrial Models (DMI) refers to the products of crafting, designing or creating and producing products from various materials such as plastic, fabric, wood, rattan, leather with colors and shapes that are pleasing to look at. Industrial design is concerned with the aesthetic and decorative aspect of these production items, whether from industry or craft. It is related to various areas such as articles of clothing, architectural structures, packaging, graphic symbols and logos, decorative patterns. According to the President of the OAPI Board of Directors, Thierry Patrick Akoloza, intellectual property, especially designs and models as marketing instruments, is a valuable contribution that must be promoted to allow Member States to benefit from their competitive advantages. Yes. The OAPI region currently has 17 member states and there is great potential for creativity and innovation in the field of design and models, especially in fashion, crafts, jewellery, textiles and household items and furniture, he said. Despite this heritage, the protection of these creations does not match their potential.
The filing of designs and business models is still relatively low
The number of industrial design filings is still relatively low, with a ratio of less than 25 applications per country. Morocco recorded 4,800 in 2023. The Director General of OAPI, Denis Bohossou, explained that in recent years, there has been an encouraging momentum in the protection of industrial designs and models within the member states of the OAPI, but there are still many to be done according to the possibilities and creations which are great. Therefore, this meeting was held with the aim of encouraging businessmen and artisans to have the culture to protect their work. The aim is to raise awareness among players in the craft sector about the opportunities offered by national, regional and international markets; the training of designers and artisans on ways to protect and promote African crafts and the development of a regional strategy to promote DMI for OAPI member states. “Industrial Designs and Models and Crafts”, it is around this topic that the discussions took place. As a framework for exchanges and reflection on the challenges and opportunities related to the protection and promotion of African crafts and the design of artisanal and industrial products, this conference aims to emphasize the vital role of intellectual property in the development of the craft sector in Africa.
A new opportunity to reaffirm the importance of intellectual property…
Therefore, this conference was marked by talks and panels, a day dedicated to intellectual property with a training workshop for young entrepreneurs and creators and an exhibition highlighting the artisanal creations that are protected at OAPI at DMI title. This meeting, according to the OAPI PCA, represents a new opportunity not only to reaffirm the importance of intellectual property in the world economy and especially the role of OAPI, but also and above all to record new grooves in particular the promotion of African craft products. This meeting was welcomed by the Minister of State, Minister of Communications, Culture, Arts and Tourism, Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, representing the head of government Apollinaire Joachimson Kyelem de Tambèla. Because it will establish a strategy to increase the added value of these economic activities and to bring them forward to development. Therefore, by protecting innovation and encouraging creativity, we promote an environment where businesses can thrive and contribute to sustainable development. This meeting brought together the ministers in charge of industrial property from OAPI member states; representatives from the chambers of commerce and trade; African creators, stylists and designers; major players in the textile and fashion industry.
Aïcha TRAORE
