The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Nigeria Office, with support from the Funds-in-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global (FIT-Japan), convened the IP and Export Business Bootcamp on 28 and 29 November to equip Nigerian businesses with practical knowledge on how intellectual property (IP) can support business growth, export readiness, and international competitiveness.
The two-day bootcamp is part of the Business Export Program (BEP), a WIPO Nigeria Office initiative to strengthen Nigeria's business environment by supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and established companies to use IP strategically as they expand into international markets.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Charles Odii, Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), highlighted the importance of helping Nigerian businesses protect their innovations and brands as they pursue growth opportunities globally.
Oluwatobiloba Moody, Director of the WIPO Nigeria Office, encouraged entrepreneurs to integrate IP protection into their business and export strategies from the outset, emphasizing that a strong, well-protected brand can help build lasting business value.
Through hands-on sessions, interactive activities, and expert guidance, participants explored copyright, trademarks, patents, industrial designs, and cross-border IP protection.
Facilitators at the bootcamp included; Marx Ikongbeh, Principal, Everlaw Associates, Managing Partner Folarin Aluko, Truman Rockwood Solicitors, Mike Akpan, IP consultant. Others included, Mr. Bright and Ms. Joy Demide, Trademarks Registry. The Nigerian Copyright Commission was also on hand to share insight and provide information to the participants. Through their sessions, participants were supported to examine how businesses can respond to the copying or misuse of their IP, identify intellectual assets within their businesses and begin developing IP action plans to guide their next steps.
Participants were introduced to IP tools and resources and building their understanding of treaty-based frameworks for international IP protection. Sessions covered the Madrid System for registering and managing trademarks internationally, the Enterprise Diagnostic Questionnaire, and a sixty-day IP Action Plan as a practical tool for identifying IP assets within their businesses.
Sessions led by SMEDAN addressed business formalization and access to finance. Participants also explored export procedures, requirements, and incentives, connecting IP protection to the practical steps for bringing Nigerian products and services to international markets.
As a follow-up to the bootcamp, 15 businesses will be selected for two weeks of tailored mentoring under the Business Export Program. This further support will help them apply the knowledge gained to develop practical IP and export strategies for their businesses.
Greater awareness and strategic use of IP can help Nigerian businesses capture more value from their innovations and strengthen the country's position in global trade.
Through the Business Export Program, the WIPO Nigeria Office continues to strengthen government efforts in promoting the strategic use of intellectual property as a tool for enterprise development and growth beyond national borders.