JOMPI 2013 : Cameroon’s Geographical Indications Steal Show

They were the focus of the 13th edition of the International Intellectual Property Day on April 26 in Douala.

“The contribution of intellectual property  to the socio-economic emergence of Cameroon: The case of Geographical Indications,” was a focus of a heated debate at the GICAM head office in Douala on the occasion of the 13th World Intellectual Property Day observed on April 26, 2013. Today, Africa and the world have identified two products in Cameroon; White Honey from Oku and Penja Pepper. There was therefore a need to reflect on better strategies of promoting these two

revolutionary products so that they can better contribute to the development of the country and the localities concerned in particular. Reason why no actor was left behind in the animated debate. Decision-makers, the business class and representatives of associations that are championing these two products, like KIWHA for Oku White Honey and IG Poivre de Penja for the Penja Pepper federated their forces to reflect on opportunities, stakes and challenges of the domain for the country. 

The 13th edition of the World Intellectual Property Day ignited public reflection as well as that of holders of intellectual property rights and that of industries on the stakes and challenges of the sector. It also permitted not only to draw the attention of business people on the importance of promoting our potentials on geographical indications but also to put in place a network of producers and investors.

And the Secretary General of MINMIDT, Edouard Ebah Abada, who presided at the deliberations, underlined the importance of judiciously using intellectual property for the socio-economic emergence of the country. He also announced the vision of the ministry vis-à-vis the sector which centres mainly on the finalisation of the drawing up of a national intellectual property strategy in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation. Pursuing intellectual property activities, the putting in place of monitoring and follow-up mechanisms, the organisation and the development of processing technologies for agricultural products as well as the conservation of agro-pastoral products is a permanent strive of MINMIDT.