BRELA raises concern over weak IP rights awareness

DAR ES SALAAM: BRELA has raised concern over low intellectual property (IP) registrations in the country, attributing the trend to limited public awareness of IP rights and their benefits.

BRELA Chief Executive Officer Mr Godfrey Nyaisa said that the failure to register IP could be stifling both individual prosperity and national economic growth.

“Despite BRELA’s efforts to educate the public, the response from the public regarding intellectual property protection remains critically low,” said Mr Nyaisa yesterday when celebrating the World IP Day.

The CEO, also, underscored the pervasive lack of understanding surrounding the immense importance of IP.

He said that due to a lack of awareness, researchers, artists and musicians miss out on their rights by not registering their intellectual property, which ensures commercial viability and competitiveness.

IP registration including copyrights, patents, trademarks and industrial designs provides legal protection and exclusive rights to creators.

“This opens doors to new business and financial opportunities,” Mr Nyaisa said.

Minister for Trade and Industry, Dr Selemani Jafo, said that IP is a unique resource that can transform the lives of individuals, families and the entire nation.

“IP is not a mere legalistic formality but a tangible asset. “It is an investment that can generate revenue, attract investors and establish market dominance,” said Dr Jafo while officiating at the event.

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World Intellectual Property Day is celebrated on April 26th each year. However, due to Tanzania’s observance of a significant Union Day on April 26th, this year’s celebrations were rescheduled for yesterday.