By: Arthur P. Wesseh
MONROVIA, Oct. 24 (LINA) -The Director General of the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO), Garmai Koboi, has highlighted significant progress in intellectual property protection, business development, and innovation during the Ministry of Information’s Regular Press Briefing on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
According to Koboi, the office has recorded 526 intellectual property related applications and registrations against an annual target of 550, reflecting growing interest among Liberian businesses, entrepreneurs, and creators in protecting their trademarks, copyrights, and industrial designs.
She disclosed that the reported figures include 483 trademark certificates awarded, 40 copyright applications, and three industrial design applications.
Meanwhile, she expressed optimism that the office would meet and potentially exceed its annual target by December, citing increased public awareness and demand for intellectual property protection.
Koboi mentioned that businesses and cooperatives in counties including Nimba, Bong, and Lofa are increasingly seeking protection for their business names, logos, and other distinctive brand features.
She urged entrepreneurs, media organizations, and creative professionals to register their intellectual property to safeguard their brands against unauthorized use and infringement.
The LIPO Director General highlighted the office’s collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to strengthen the capacity of micro, small, and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs).
The initiative combines intellectual property training with business development support to help entrepreneurs identify their intellectual property assets, improve their products, and commercialize their ideas.
She disclosed that the program has supported 196 businesses, helping entrepreneurs understand how intellectual property protection can contribute to business growth.
Koboi also mentioned LIPO’s partnership with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), through which 40 small and medium-sized enterprises are receiving individualized mentorship in branding, product design, packaging, and business development.
She said these interventions are intended to improve the quality and marketability of Liberian products while preparing local businesses to compete in domestic and international markets.
She noted that LIPO has conducted awareness and support activities in Montserrado, Nimba, Bong, Margibi, and Lofa counties, with particular attention to businesses involved in agriculture and other commercial activities.
The Director General Highlighted Zag Natural, a local business known for its moringa tea, as an example of how improved branding, packaging, and business mentorship can enhance the marketability of Liberian products.
She also referenced improvements in the branding and packaging of products such as aQuaLife, emphasizing that businesses must continuously improve their products to attract customers and increase revenue.
Koboi stressed that intellectual property registration alone does not guarantee business success, noting that entrepreneurs must also invest in quality packaging, customer service, financial management, and product development.
She encouraged business owners to reinvest their earnings and adopt sustainable management practices to expand their operations and contribute to Liberia’s economic growth.