Last week, we attended the Adams & Adams 10th annual #AfricaNetworkMeeting2023. Our team was represented by our Managing Attorney Ms Brenda Matanga and associate attorney Chido Gezimati.
BMatanga IP Attorneys is a proud member of the Adams Africa Network and is the Adams & Adams affiliate firm in Zimbabwe. Being a member of this esteemed African network enables us to have strategic alliances across the African continent with partners with remarkable capabilities which helps us provide our clients with comprehensive IP services throughout the African continent.

This year’s Network meeting was the first physical meeting after the pandemic and we were excited to reconnect with colleagues and members of the network from across the continent. These meetings are important for IP practitioners in Africa to come together, share ideas and discuss trends within the field, particularly within the African context.
As a firm and a member of the Adams & Adams Africa Network, we remain committed to advancing intellectual property and innovation across the African continent.

Key take-aways…
The meeting was highlighted by rich discussions around the intersection of artificial intelligence and IP. Artificial Intelligence being a topical issue the world over, Africans are also participating in the conversation, particularly around the question of ownership of AI creations.
We had regional updates from Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda and Kenya in which our colleagues in those regions gave us updates on how IP matters were being handled. In Kenya for example they have a strong anti-counterfeiting unit which is very efficient in enforcing intellectual property rights (IPR) which creates confidence in the system. In another example of Rwanda, just like many developing countries the IP laws are still far from being perfect. Some contentious aspects of filing and maintenance of IPRs were highlighted, however our colleagues in the region are putting in the work in to develop the common law. These were insightful discussions as they equipped us with the requisite knowledge when handling our client’s matters in the various regions.

Fun was had…
The event was topped off with a cocktail event, in which we had an opportunity to network with members (new and old) of the network. In true IP practitioners’ fashion, the meeting was capped off by the Trevour Noah Show in Pretoria which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.The son of Patricia , as affectionately known, left the audience in stitches with his unmatched humor. What a wonderful time! Thanks to our gracious hosts for supporting African talent and connecting the African IP fraternity.
Proudly associated ! BMatanga-
IP Attorneys for Africa.