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ARTICLE · 10 DECEMBER 2018

More Than Meets The (GU)I! – IP Protection For Apps

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The demand for software applications, particularly mobile apps has grown at a phenomenal rate in recent years, fuelled in part by the ever growing use of smartphones globally.

South AfricaIntellectual Property
Thapelo Montong
Thapelo Montong
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The demand for software applications, particularly mobile apps has grown at a phenomenal rate in recent years, fuelled in part by the ever growing use of smartphones globally. In 2018, it is estimated that 66% of individuals in 52 key countries will own a smartphone, up from 63% in 2017 (Zenith Mobile Advertising Forecasts). Meanwhile, 7 of the 10 fastest growing internet populations in the world are in Africa (according to Adams & Adams' research partner, In on Africa), positioning the continent's economies to benefit from rapidly accelerating technological changes. This will unlock growth and leapfrog the limitations and costs experienced elsewhere. Renewable energy and mobile technology are two notable examples of this leapfrogging process occurring in Africa.

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