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ARTICLE · 20 AUGUST 2026

Sierra Leone Strengthens IP Framework

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Sierra Leone's Parliament has unanimously ratified several major international intellectual property treaties, including the Singapore Treaty on Trademarks and the WIPO Copyright Treaty, marking a pivotal modernisation of the country's IP framework. While these reforms promise to strengthen protections and attract investment, a critical question remains about whether national legislation will be amended to fully implement the ARIPO regional trademark system. The effectiveness of these international commitme

Sierra LeoneIntellectual Property
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Sierra Leone has taken a significant step towards modernising its IP regime following Parliament’s unanimous ratification of several key international IP treaties and protocols in July 2026. The ratified instruments include the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks, the Trademark Law Treaty (Geneva), the Banjul Protocol on Marks administered by ARIPO, the WIPO Copyright Treaty and the Kampala Protocol on Voluntary Registration of Copyright and Related Rights.

These instruments align Sierra Leone’s legal framework more closely with international standards, strengthening the protection of trade marks, copyright and other IP rights while providing greater certainty for investors, innovators and creators. The reforms are expected to support economic growth, encourage innovation and enhance Sierra Leone’s integration into regional and global IP systems.

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