2025 ARIPO IP Journalists Awards Seek Champions of Innovation Reporting in Member States

The competition calls for journalists from the 22 ARIPO Member States who report on the innovation and Intellectual Property (IP) narratives. It recognises the work of journalists who educate the African populace about IP and raise awareness on the importance of innovation and the benefits of protecting IP rights, says ARIPO.

Now in its second year, the competition encourages quality journalism by acknowledging reporters' excellence in shaping core values and attitudes around IP rights in Africa. Entries published by journalists from ARIPO's 22 Member States can be submitted online by Saturday, 30 August. They must include at least two articles or broadcast segments produced and published or broadcast between 1 July 2024 and Friday, 15 August 2025. There is no cost to enter the competition, adds the organisation.

ARIPO says, "The media fraternity is a key partner in raising awareness about what IP is, how we interact with it in everyday life and the importance of protecting the rights of creators and innovators. These narratives help our communities to foster a culture of innovation and encourage fair competition even in the entrepreneurial space, where a large number of youth are thriving. IP has economic and societal implications and protecting it is vital in driving sustainable social and economic growth."

Intellectual property rights are the legal rights given to persons over the creations of their minds. They give the creator an exclusive right to use their creation for a period of time. Intellectual property rights usually fall into two main categories: copyright, such as the rights of creators of music, literary and artistic works and industrial property, which consists of patents, trademarks, industrial designs, utility models and geographical indications, says the organisation.

"IP rights are a part of everyday life and should be central in the discourse around emerging developmental issues," says ARIPO. "By celebrating the journalists who explain its importance and relevance to all people and businesses and how it influences social and commercial trends, we hope to encourage even more of the continent's reporters to explore the topic and its implications for all Africans."

Gosego Motsumi with the Botswana Gazette won the inaugural competition in 2024, with Bamuturaki Musinguzi with the Daily Monitor, from Uganda and Sinda Matiko with the Nation Media Group, Kenya, scooped second and third place, respectively. The trio was awarded at a ceremony held in Lesotho and walked away with cash prizes, says the organisation.

ARIPO facilitates the registration of IP across a wide range of sectors in Africa. Founded in 1976, the organisation was established to pool resources for the promotion, development and harmonisation of the IP laws and policies of ARIPO Member States in addressing IP matters, to avoid the duplication of costs and human resources. Through cooperation with global partners, ARIPO supports Member States in aligning with the global standards in IP management for the economic and industrial development of the African continent, adds the organisation.

The terms and conditions of the competition stipulate that entrants to the 2025 ARIPO IP Journalists' Awards must be aged between 18 and 60 and must be citizens of an ARIPO Member State. Entries and entry forms must be submitted in English or any other language spoken in the ARIPO Region, with an accompanying English translation. A portfolio of evidence, including coverage secured, must form part of the submission. News items published through paid collaborations with ARIPO and ARIPO's partners are not eligible, concludes ARIPO.

For more information, visit www.aripo.org. You can also follow ARIPO on Facebook, or on X.

*Image courtesy of contributor