The second edition of the BMatanga IP Clinic, held on the 26th of April 2024 was a resounding success, drawing in a diverse crowd of entrepreneurs, creatives, and industry experts. The event provided a comprehensive platform for attendees to engage with intellectual property (IP) professionals and learn about safeguarding their innovations. The theme of the clinic was “Protect Your Moves” and was held in commemoration of the World IP day which we celebrated on the same day. The event underscored the importance of making one’s first move in the IP realm as strong as the last, ensuring long-term protection and management of IP assets. IP protection has never been a haphazard affair but a well laid out plan and strategy set on leveraging one’s assets for business success.
A Convergence of Minds and Ideas; the clinic served as a melting pot of ideas, where participants could network and gain insights into the latest IP trends and strategies from leading industry experts. The clinic’s agenda was packed with informative sessions and panel discussions, all aimed at demystifying IP law and its application in various sectors such as manufacturing, technology, sports, and art. Attendees had the unique opportunity to learn from the experiences of those who have reached the pinnacle of success in their fields.
Key Highlights of the Clinic
- The Davipel Brand story
From humble beginnings, Davipel which has grown into a holdings company started in 2002 in a carport, where Mr and Mrs Norupiri down-packed kapenta and mopane worms. His was an inspirational story for all who attended, of a local company that started from the ground up. In his story, Mr Norupiri highlighted the importance of IP in all his brands and how his trademarks have been instrumental in leveraging the growth of his company, from the infamous “Jumbo” snacks to the “Sunny” range of porridges. It was great to see a practical example and relatable story on the of the value and importance of intellectual property. - IP Monetisation through Licensing and Franchising
According to the New York Times, Intellectual Property has become one of the driving engines of the high-technology economy. Eugene Honey, a partner from Adams & Adams emphasised in his presentation that IP is the most valuable asset in most corporate entities. He spoke on there being opportunities for exploitation in businesses where valuable IP exists. Nando’s is a well-known example of how they have successfully managed to drive revenue and growth through licensing and franchising. A key takeaway from his presentation was that entrepreneurs can grow their businesses through franchising and similarly individuals can start businesses through franchising already existing businesses with strong systems and IP. - The Intersection between IP and Sports
IP rights form the basis of licensing and merchandising agreements that earn revenue to support the development of the sports industry. In his presentation, Francis Makonese underscored the role of IP as a catalyst of innovation and creativity in the world of sports. His emphasis was on the convergence of innovation and sports as a driving force for achieving global sustainable development goals and economic growth. - Music and IP
Building a successful career in music involves the ability to manage intellectual property (IP) rights and for an artist to be cognisant of the IPRs in their work. During the Clinic we took time to explore this assertion with Walter Wanyaya a leading artist manager and entrepreneur in the creative industry space in a vibrant fire side chat with Zola Ndlovu, a creative and fellow lawyer. Having worked with big names in the music industry, such as Oliver Mutukudzi and Hugh Masekela, Walter shared his personal journey, experiences and lessons learnt on how can leverage their music brand and create value of their IP. Music is an economic opportunity for any artist and any country such that it is critical for that creative landscape to be conducive and supportive of the arts. It was such a thought provoking session where challenges in the industry were highlighted, such as piracy, loss of revenue through technological gaps and the high cost of data by ISPs.In this digital age, access to the internet is essential for artists to thrive in the digital space and we are grateful for having created a platform for such important conversations to be held. - Tech
It is without doubt that intellectual property (IP) is an area of the legal field that has had one of the longest and most interesting relationships with technological advancement. It was refreshing to hear the emphasis of IP protection of technological innovations and IP assets in general from Oswald Jumira,CEO of liquidc2. We learnt that the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and tools like CHAT GPT raises a host of policy and legal questions that lawyers in the public and private sectors must address. Small businesses were encouraged to look at the areas within the local opportunities around their local space .Access to data was discussed at length as it has proved an important resource in the development of technology by start-ups and creatives.Prechard Mhako further reinforced on the value of IP assets and how small businesses should capitalise on same.Entreprenuers should read the environment and come up with innovative solutions that are applicable in that market.Expert guidance came from Lara Kayode,Dr Fernando Dos Santos and Ms BMatanga, seasoned IP experts as they provided tailored advice on identifying and protecting IP assets, discussed the risks of IP infringement and strategies to mitigate loss and insights on leveraging IP for business growth and sustainability. IP is not just a two letter acronym which is complex and distant to small businesses, but an important area of business that one should understand, pursue, prioritize and budget for. Emphasis was given on how an IP strategy is part of the overall business strategy/goals and that every business needs to be able to identify its IP assets, align IP strategy with business objectives, and seek expert legal counsel for tailored protection strategies. If you are a start-up company, having a clear IP strategy that is aligned with your organization’s unique business objectives and needs is essential to supporting growth and competing with other players.
A Commitment to Social Responsibility
The BMatanga IP Clinic was not just an educational event but also a corporate social responsibility initiative and a useful networking platform for entrepreneurs. It aimed to assist those without access to IP attorneys to engage with the experts, raising awareness and educating attendees on how to navigate the complex IP landscape. Putting aside billable hours and raising awareness on IP is a moral duty which we as a firm have imposed on ourselves and delight in doing so, playing our part towards empowering start-ups,one business at a time.
Conclusion
The 2024 BMatanga IP Clinic was a landmark event that provided invaluable resources and guidance for protecting intellectual property. The knowledge imparted, and connections made will undoubtedly ripple through the attendees’ future endeavors. The event has set a precedent for the importance of IP awareness and protection, paving the way for more innovative and secure business practices in the years to come. It stands as a testament to the power of knowledge and collaboration in fostering a robust IP ecosystem. As we look ahead, the lessons learned here will continue to influence and inspire the protection of creative and innovative moves across industries.
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