Sierra Leone Commemorates World Intellectual Property Examiners Day 2025, Calls for Stronger IP Ecosystem
Sierra Leone has joined the global community in commemorating World Intellectual Property Examiners Day 2025 with a high-level ceremony celebrating the essential role IP examiners play in national development, innovation, and economic growth.
The event, jointly organized by the Office of the Administrator and Registrar General and the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, was held under the theme: “Celebrating and Empowering Intellectual Property Examiners.”
Chairing the ceremony, ACP Johan Bull Kamara underscored the expanding relevance of Intellectual Property (IP) in modern law, business, and national prosperity. “From likelihood of confusion in the marketplace, to the economic impact of infringement, and from the neglect of franchising to the power of distinctiveness… Intellectual Property is not just about ownership; it is about opportunity, protection, innovation, and national development,” she stated.
In her welcome remarks, Ms. Martin B. Egbenda, Administrator and Registrar General, praised the unwavering commitment of IP examiners in safeguarding creativity and fostering innovation. She highlighted Sierra Leone’s progress in strengthening its IP legal landscape, acknowledging continued support from key partners including the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO). She encouraged sustained dedication to building a system that drives innovation, economic transformation, and sustainable development.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister of Justice Madam Saptieu Elizabeth Saccoh commended IP examiners, describing them as the “guardians of innovation and integrity.”
“Your work ensures that only genuine creations are protected, fostering trust in the system and confidence among innovators,” she said.
Madam Saccoh stressed the need for continuous capacity building, noting: “Examiners must be equipped with up-to-date knowledge, advanced skills, and technological tools to meet the demands of a dynamic global economy.”
She further urged the integration of digital solutions into IP administration, emphasizing that modernization would “streamline processes and position Sierra Leone as a leader in technological advancement.”
Advocating for a multi-stakeholder approach, the Deputy Minister called for collaborative action across government institutions, creators, legal professionals, and the wider public. “Building a vibrant IP ecosystem requires collective effort,” she noted.
She concluded by reaffirming the pivotal role of intellectual property in Sierra Leone’s development agenda: “Our future depends on recognizing the strategic importance of intellectual property to unlock our creative potential and drive national development.”
The event brought together government officials, legal experts, innovators, and development partners, all unified in their commitment to advancing a stronger, more inclusive IP framework — one that protects creators, attracts investment, and fuels national progress.
