Intellectual Property Institute (IPI) has called on the organised financial sector in Nigeria to recognise and accept intellectual property as collateral for granting loans to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
This was the main thrust of a symposium marking this year’s edition of the World Intellectual Property Day with the theme: ‘IP and SMEs: Taking Your Ideas to Market.’
The virtual event was attended by stakeholders in the creative industry, intellectual property professionals, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders.
The event was supported by Trumann Rockwood Solicitors, Borrow To Own Concepts Limited, (Abuja’s No. 1 pay-small-small retail company, Caya Productions (an award-winning boutique audio post-production & recording studio in Wuse 2, Abuja) and ProEdge Events.
The Institute identified lack of awareness and regulatory bottlenecks among factors impeding the acceptance and marketability of intellectual assets in Nigeria.
The institute said owners of intellectual properties in the creative and other industries are major contributors to the growth of Nigeria’s economic.
It also warned that “Nigerian businesses would continue to lose out on opportunities for technology transfer and collaborations if the regulatory bottlenecks impeding the marketability and commercialisation of intellectual assets and new technology are not addressed.”
The speakers at the event include former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Abuja and an IP Lawyer, Mr. Folarin Aluko, Founder and Head, Engineer at Caya Productions, Melissa Ibrahim and the Lead Talent Manager at Hyers Elite Athletes & Talents (HEAT) Limited, Mr. Basorun Aderoju.
