Intellectual Property Rights Limited to 20 Years in Nigeria – NOTAP

The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has clarified that inventors hold exclusive rights to their intellectual property for a maximum of 20 years. After this period, the rights to the invention is then transitioned to the public domain, allowing anyone to use the work without restrictions.

Obiageli Amadiobi, the Director General of NOTAP, made this announcement during a press conference held in Abuja to mark the African Day for Technology and Intellectual Property. The event, themed “Leveraging Technology and IPRs to Drive the Renewed Hope Agenda,” addressed ongoing debates surrounding intellectual property rights, particularly in the music industry and the necessity of securing permissions from original creators.

Amadiobi highlighted that this commemoration follows a 1999 resolution by the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union), aimed at promoting the domestication of technology and strengthening intellectual property rights in African countries.

In her speech, she emphasized the role of technology and intellectual property rights in nation-building and wealth creation, stating that these systems foster creativity and innovation. She encouraged young inventors and innovators to develop indigenous solutions to the challenges facing Africa, which would, in turn, help eradicate poverty and promote sustainable development.

Amadiobi explained, “Intellectual Property refers to the creative works of the mind, including literary and artistic pieces, which belong to the creator. These works can only be transferred or sold with the innovator’s permission. However, the exclusive rights to such creations are limited to 20 years in the case of patents. After this period, the invention enters the public domain and can be utilized by anyone.”

She also reiterated the significance of intellectual property in international trade relations, as recognized in the World Trade Organization’s Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement, which Nigeria has been a party to since 1995. With knowledge becoming increasingly vital in the digital age, Amadiobi hailed the African Union’s decision to commemorate the importance of technology and intellectual property as a key driver of sustainable development in Africa.