Story by Tarirai Madhuyu

Intellectuals have been implored to embrace laws that govern the licensing and franchising of their brands to realise maximum benefit.

Intellectual Property (IP) law has been cited as essential for brand integrity which intellectuals should embrace to foster success in their endeavors.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 2024 World Intellectual Property Day held in Harare this Friday, IP Clinic founder Mrs Brenda Matanga highlighted the importance of equipping intellectuals with the knowledge of IP law.

“It is good that we educate our entrepreneurs in line with IP law to make sure that they are protected. We do encourage many people to come on board. We are very excited that Zimbabwe IP law is so far the most performing in Africa. We are so excited that innovators from across sectors of the economy are now aware of what they should be doing.”

Musician Tariro Negitare weighed in highlighting the importance of brand licencing and franchising.

“I think IP programs should be enhanced by every artist. This knowledge goes a long way in protecting us and our products as well. In most cases, artists are left vulnerable after disagreements erupt between them and promoters. I want to urge fellow artists to secure themselves with IP before publishing their work.”

Midlands State University Executive Dean Faculty of Law, Dr Gift Manyatera and COSAFA Deputy Executive Director Francis Makonese also shed light on how artists and sportsmen can benefit from IP law.

“It is important that we continue teaching our people more about IP issues. As the country forges ahead with Vision 2030, our people must embrace the new digital era where we concentrate more on job creators than employees. Therefore, this on its own is a big milestone in achieving the goal,” said Dr Manyatera.

“In the world of sport, IP mostly help players to know their value and how they are going to sign their contracts. Sportsmen normally carry other people’s brands hence the need to secure themselves,” said Mr Makonese.

Intellectual Property law allows people to protect their original ideas and prevent unauthorised copying, thereby allowing creators to derive greater individual economic benefit from their work.