Kenya has published the Copyright and Related Rights Bill, 2026, representing the first comprehensive reform of its copyright legislation in over two decades. The proposed framework introduces modern provisions for digital-age challenges including AI-generated works, online enforcement mechanisms, and enhanced protections for creators and performers.

Kenya is poised to transform its intellectual property landscape through the consolidation of three separate regulatory bodies into a single unified authority. The Kenya Intellectual Property Bill 2026 proposes sweeping reforms that would streamline IP administration, establish a specialized tribunal, and create comprehensive oversight of patents, trademarks, copyright, and anti-counterfeiting measures under one roof.

Can Plant Variety Protection (PVP) be a catalyst for food security and sustainable agriculture in Africa? ARIPO, together with various stakeholders, including plant breeders, academics and legal experts...

In a deeply emotional and unusually contentious dispute stretching nearly two years, the High Court concluded that Benji, a young Labrador, must be returned to the applicant.

The Constitutional Court of South Africa passed a landmark ruling on 10 October 2023, effectively changing the Divorce Act. Simply put, individuals married out of community of property without accrual...

On 11 May 2022 the Pretoria High Court ordered that Section 7(3)(a) of the Divorce Act, 70 of 1979, is declared inconsistent with the Constitution.

On 1 March 2024, OAPI's Director General, Mr Denis Bohoussou, met with the new deputy project manager of the Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation in Africa (AfrIPI), Mr Carlos Satorre...

The Angola Registry has modified its stance on deadline extensions for filing powers of attorney in trade mark opposition cases, refusing any late filings and deeming it irrelevant to discuss the merits of its decision.

On 1 February 2024, the Ministry of Economy and Trade launched the electronic advertising system for trade marks, marking a significant step in digitalising the registration and advertising processes.

As part of the implementation of Annex I of the revised Bangui Agreement, OAPI has published new official fees which apply to all patent and utility model applications fled after 1 January 2025.

The Libyan Council of Ministers has recently transferred the jurisdiction of the Trademark Office to the Commercial Registrar. While no regulatory changes have been implemented...

June has seen a legislative development in South Africa with the new Plant Breeders' Rights Act coming into force and a landmark ruling from the Supreme Court of Appeal...

Spinning Plates: Navigating New Food Label Requirements In South Africa...

Shortly after the implementation of the lockdown restrictions early last year, there were several reports of law enforcement brutality and assault.

Although the Sudanese Trade Mark Office started operating at the beginning of 2024 (see our previous update here), the Office has not yet started dealing...

As of 11 February 2024, the Sudanese Trade Marks Office ("TMO") has resumed operations after nearly a year of closure due to civil unrest.

In December 2019, Adams & Adams Partner, Nishan Singh, attended a mediation hearing for a trade mark infringement matter filed at the Commercial Court in Kampala.

Uganda's Parliament has passed the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introducing comprehensive reforms to modernize the country's copyright framework. The legislation strengthens enforcement measures, increases penalties for infringement, and enhances protections for digital works while improving royalty collection systems for creators and rights holders.

The NYC Campaign Finance Board has denied public campaign funds for Eric Adams' reelection bid. The Board cited "detrimental" conduct from Adams in their denial.

The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) marked its 50th anniversary with celebrations at its Harare headquarters, unveiling a golden jubilee logo and launching its anniversary theme focused on fostering innovation and sustainability across Africa. The event brought together stakeholders to emphasize regional cooperation in advancing IP protection, with a year-long series of commemorative activities planned culminating in a major conference in Zambia.