Artists. Inventors. Musicians. Doctors. Computer Scientists. Behind every innovative, life-changing product or idea stands an imaginative, inspired person willing to do what it takes to see it through every stage—from concept to creation to delivery. Unfortunately for many innovators, piracy deters this success and can discourage development. And in Africa, the effects are particularly damaging to emerging economies, to small businesses and to individuals. As the World Intellectual Property Organization marks its 12th annual World Intellectual Property (IP) Day by focusing on “Visionary Innovators,” Microsoft Nigeria recognizes the many people behind the intellectual property that has revolutionized the way we live our lives each day.
To commemorate this year’s World Intellectual Property Day in Nigeria, Microsoft has organized a roundtable to discuss how the use of non-genuine software threatens legitimate businesses and creates a negative impact on both global and local economies. Participants were drawn from different sectors of the economy and they included Mr. Babatunde Adetula, Director, Ibadan Zonal Office, Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC), Mr. George Spiff, Managing Director, Steelcon Global Hitech, Mr. Seyi Owolabi of Multichoice Nigeria, Ugochi Agoreyo, Anti-Piracy Manger, Microsoft Anglophone West Africa and Serge Ntamack, Anti Piracy Lead, Microsoft WECA.
Quotes from The World Intellectual Property Event:
“Counterfeiting only thrives in places with weak or non-existent IP laws.” – Serge Ntamack, Anti Piracy Lead, WECA
“Piracy is like a cankerworm to the nation’s economy. It is like a caterpillar that eats up the pillars of the economy. If not checked, pirated software, pirated books and broadcasting would damage the Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that are involved in property innovation and development.” – Mr. Babatunde Adetula, Director, Ibadan Zonal Office, NCC
