INTRODUCTION
This article aims to examine an uncommon form of security in
these climes, an intangible but yet inestimable source of security
– intellectual property (IP). According to the World
Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO): "IP refers
to creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic
works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce ...
IP is protected in law by, for example, patents, copyright and
trademarks, which enable people to earn recognition or financial
benefit from what they invent or create."
THE STATUS QUO – IS THERE ROOM FOR CHANGE?
Security over real property is the more common form in Nigeria,
but such comes with its own inherent problems. Key amongst these is
the high cost of perfection of title, without which, most
institutional lenders are reluctant to provide funding. Embracing
IP security would increase the pool of assets from which the
creditor may satisfy his claim. It would also afford the debtor
