In a campaign dubbed “The Meaning of Intellectual Property in your daily Life,” Staff and students of IPRC Musanze were sensitized to protect their Intellectual Property (IP) as a good way of benefiting from their innovations and making a change to the society.  The campaign aimed at increasing awareness on the importance of registering IP and its benefits. It was a good spot for sharing knowledge and experience regarding the protection of IP.  

Alexis Tuyizere, the Registration and Promotion Officer in the Office of the Registrar General, revealed that Rwanda had some forms of legal framework for Intellectual Property since the colonial times: Following the independence in 1962, the patents, trademarks and industrial designs were governed by the Law of 25 February 1963.  He clearly explained that the enactment of a swathe of new laws in 2009 has effectively transformed Rwanda’s IP landscape, replacing outdated laws and regulations with new legislation that supports Rwanda’s aspirations in attracting foreign investment, establishing a viable technological base, and fulfilling obligations under International Treaties.

Kellen Twinamatsiko, Intellectual Property Examination Analyst, explained the procedure of registering Intellectual Property. She encouraged Students and Staff to register their Intellectual Properties before revealing them to the public because sometimes it may result in loosing them when they are stolen.  She reminded people present the benefits of registering Intellectual Properties among others she mentioned; owning a product; adding value on the product after its granting; encouraging innovations and new inventions and their industrial or commercial use, encouraging creation of original works in literary artistic or scientific fields and their use so as to contribute to cultural, social and economic development of the country.

In his remarks, Eng. Emile Abayisenga, the Principal of IPRC Musanze, expressed his gratitude towards a team from RDB that came to IPRC Musanze for the IP Registration awareness for it is enormously helpful to the community of IPRC Musanze. He mentioned that it is very significant for students and Staff to understand well the intellectual property protection because they are in an institution that encourage innovations. 

During an interaction session, Staff and students asked more clarifications regarding the protection of innovations, mainly innovations that are made from the Campus, as their Intellectual Property. It was made clear that all innovations should be registered for the security and the prevention of the fraudulent cases. In case they are exposed, the owner should register them not later than six days after their exposure.

In Rwanda, there are organs in charge of Industrial Property regulations; the Ministry of Trade and Industries (MINICOM) in charge of policy- making, policy implementation and monitoring of Industrial Property Office, and Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in charge of IP Administration (Daily Management).

Eng. Emile Abayisenga, the Principal of IPRC Musanze addressing the audience

Alexis Tuyizere and Kellen Twinamatsiko addressing the audience

Students and Staff during the open discussion session

By Protais Niyonshima

Ag. PRCO

In a campaign dubbed “The Meaning of Intellectual Property in your daily Life,” Staff and students of IPRC Musanze were sensitized to protect their Intellectual Property (IP) as a good way of benefiting from their innovations and making a change to the society.  The campaign aimed at increasing awareness on the importance of registering IP and its benefits. It was a good spot for sharing knowledge and experience regarding the protection of IP.  

Alexis Tuyizere, the Registration and Promotion Officer in the Office of the Registrar General, revealed that Rwanda had some forms of legal framework for Intellectual Property since the colonial times: Following the independence in 1962, the patents, trademarks and industrial designs were governed by the Law of 25 February 1963.  He clearly explained that the enactment of a swathe of new laws in 2009 has effectively transformed Rwanda’s IP landscape, replacing outdated laws and regulations with new legislation that supports Rwanda’s aspirations in attracting foreign investment, establishing a viable technological base, and fulfilling obligations under International Treaties.

Kellen Twinamatsiko, Intellectual Property Examination Analyst, explained the procedure of registering Intellectual Property. She encouraged Students and Staff to register their Intellectual Properties before revealing them to the public because sometimes it may result in loosing them when they are stolen.  She reminded people present the benefits of registering Intellectual Properties among others she mentioned; owning a product; adding value on the product after its granting; encouraging innovations and new inventions and their industrial or commercial use, encouraging creation of original works in literary artistic or scientific fields and their use so as to contribute to cultural, social and economic development of the country.

In his remarks, Eng. Emile Abayisenga, the Principal of IPRC Musanze, expressed his gratitude towards a team from RDB that came to IPRC Musanze for the IP Registration awareness for it is enormously helpful to the community of IPRC Musanze. He mentioned that it is very significant for students and Staff to understand well the intellectual property protection because they are in an institution that encourage innovations. 

During an interaction session, Staff and students asked more clarifications regarding the protection of innovations, mainly innovations that are made from the Campus, as their Intellectual Property. It was made clear that all innovations should be registered for the security and the prevention of the fraudulent cases. In case they are exposed, the owner should register them not later than six days after their exposure.

In Rwanda, there are organs in charge of Industrial Property regulations; the Ministry of Trade and Industries (MINICOM) in charge of policy- making, policy implementation and monitoring of Industrial Property Office, and Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in charge of IP Administration (Daily Management).

Eng. Emile Abayisenga, the Principal of IPRC Musanze addressing the audience

Alexis Tuyizere and Kellen Twinamatsiko addressing the audience

Students and Staff during the open discussion session

By Protais Niyonshima

Ag. PRCO