Successful Examiners Training Held in Nigeria - International Trademark Association

INTA conducted a training for examiners at the Trademark Office, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment and other organizations in Abuja, Nigeria on February 19 and 20, building on the success of last year’s training for examiners at these agencies.

This training follows notable improvements at the Trademark Office, including regular publication of journals, examination decisions based on solid legal grounds, growing consistencies in trademark decisions, more in-depth knowledge, and better command of key intellectual property tenets.

Also joining were examiners from the Designs Department; staff from the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion, the National Copyright Commission, and the IP First Group; and lecturers from the University of Abuja.

This year’s training covered topics jointly selected with the Trademark Office. INTA local members providing the training challenged the attendees on examinations procedures. They also held exchanges on the nexus between trademarks and domain names, office management workflow, protection of famous and well-known marks in Nigeria, as well as other areas of mutual interest.

Trainees and trainers further engaged in mock case studies to better understand the challenges and opportunities in examining cases. Participants appreciated the practicality of the training as it touched upon their daily tasks. “The direct interaction with INTA members help [her] to gain a better understanding of international best practices, which is key for the growing Nigerian market. … International applications represent around 50 percent of all the applications,” said one participant.

On behalf of the federal government of Nigeria, Registrar of Trademarks Shafiu Adamu Yauri called on his staff to embrace INTA’s training program and benefit from the members’ wealth of experience.

As a new feature this year, INTA Representative – Africa, Middle East and IGOs, Tat-Tienne Louembe, delivered certificates of participation to the examiners, acknowledging the tremendous work undertaken by the registry personnel. It is in line with the Trademark Office’s strategic objective to recognize and reward staff, and improve their well-being.

While at the training, Mr. Louembe interacted with Dr. Sani Gwarzo, the new Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment, and World Intellectual Property Organization local staffer Oluwatobiloba Moody.

INTA thanks the Project Team for developing and implementing the examiners training:

Akeem Aponmade (A.O. Law Firm, Nigeria)
Busola Bakinson (Jackson Etti & Edu, Nigeria)
Roseline Okpete (Allan & Ogunkeye, Nigeria)
Davidson Oturu (AELEX, Nigeria)
Similoluwa Oyelude (G. Elias, Nigeria)
Anthony Tejuoso (AA Tejuoso & Co., Nigeria)
Ifeyinwa Ufondu (Benchmac & Ince, Nigeria)

INTA Representative Tat-Tienne Louembe supports the Association’s 510 members across Africa and the Middle East. In collaboration with the staff at INTA’s headquarters in New York City and Representatives Offices around the world, Mr. Louembe works on the Association’s policy, membership, marketing, and communications initiatives in these regions. To learn more about INTA’s activities in Africa and the Middle East, please contact Tat-Tienne Louembe at [email protected].

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of items in the INTA Bulletin, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.