Africa-Press – Liberia. The National IP Conference, is part of a deliberate national effort to elevate the discourse around IP and its role in achieving the ARREST Agenda.
The administration of President Joseph Boakai has reechoed its commitment to organizing a National Intellectual Property (IP) Summit aimed at strengthening the country’s IP ecosystem.
This commitment was outlined in a policy address delivered by Atty. Cornelia Kruah, Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, during a high-level IP policy conference held at Monrovia City Hall on April 23.
“The President remains committed to hosting a National Intellectual Property Summit—bringing together a broad range of stakeholders to deliberate on policy and advance Program Seven of the ARREST Agenda,” said Hon. Kruah in her address. “The [President also] remains committed to conducting a comprehensive study on the contribution of intellectual property to the country’s GDP, job creation, and poverty reduction.”
According to Hon. Kruah, the presence of the President’s office at the conference reflects the administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment in which IP becomes a launchpad for national development.
The National IP Conference, is part of a deliberate national effort to elevate the discourse around IP and its role in achieving the ARREST Agenda.
Held under the theme “The Role of Intellectual Property and the Creative Sector in Achieving the ARREST Agenda Under Program Seven,” the conference marks the first phase of a two-part national celebration of World IP Day, which falls on April 26.
The second phase includes a music festival and jamboree aimed at increasing grassroots awareness and respect for IP. The events are organized by the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The ARREST Agenda is a five-year, US$8.3 billion national development plan designed to transition Liberia from a low-income to a lower-middle-income country by 2029. The document emphasizes that strong institutions, resilient infrastructure, and transparent governance are essential to achieving this goal—and that intellectual property plays a critical role.
Program Seven of the ARREST Agenda elevates IP as a strategic development driver, rather than an afterthought. Under this program, the Government of Liberia envisions economic activities increasingly driven by IP.
“Never before in the history of our nation has intellectual property been so formally recognized and elevated as a national priority as it has under the administration of His Excellency, President Joseph N. Boakai—who, as an author himself, is keen on leaving an economic legacy underpinned by intellectual property,” Hon. Kruah said.
She emphasized that the government remains committed to developing a robust national IP ecosystem that protects creators’ rights and empowers them with knowledge and resources.
“As we embark on this journey, we want all stakeholders in the creative industry to know that IP will no longer be regarded as an ancillary concern but as a pillar of economic diversification, an engine for youth employment, and a cornerstone of our nation’s cultural diplomacy,” she said.
According to Hon. Kruah, each pillar of the ARREST Agenda—Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism—intersects with IP, which she described as “the unseen driving force behind growth in these sectors.” She reaffirmed the government’s dedication to building a robust IP ecosystem that can support scalable growth.
Earlier in the event, Hon. Garmai Koboi, Director General of the Liberia Intellectual Property Office, noted that the conference, which brought together stakeholders from across sectors, is a precursor to the upcoming national IP summit.
According to Hon. Koboi, intellectual property is so deeply embedded in Liberian life that “whether we know it or not, the economic foundation of Liberia is built on it.”
In recognition of the creative sector’s economic potential, the government has announced a three-month Copyright Free Registration Program and a Creators’ Legal Aid Help Desk.
“These policies are part of a broader structural support package to help the creative sector realize its full economic potential,” Hon. Koboi said.
“Far too often, creative works have been stolen due to lack of registration, or creators have held back, thinking ownership is out of reach—that the IP system is too complex, too expensive, or too inaccessible. In reality, it’s not,” she emphasized.
“To empower creators, we’re waiving the US$10 registration fee for three months. Whether you’re a musician, writer, filmmaker, fashion designer, or visual artist—your work matters. Your story matters. Your art matters. Come and secure your legal and economic rights—free of charge.”
While acknowledging automatic protection under the Berne Convention, Hon. Koboi stressed that formal registration is vital for establishing ownership and protecting legal rights.
She added that the Creators’ Legal Aid Help Desk will support creators in navigating the complex IP landscape—from contract review to dispute resolution and rights enforcement.
“Too often, creators are left alone, unprepared to fight for what is theirs. This help desk will offer the guidance and clarity you need. Whether you’re an emerging creator or a seasoned artist dealing with unauthorized use of your work, the Government of Liberia is here to support you.”
Hon. Koboi also revealed that the government is in the process of launching a digital intellectual property registration system.
“This system will simplify the registration process—cutting out paperwork, reducing costs, and eliminating the need for in-person visits. By the end of this year, you’ll be able to register your copyright or industrial property online—from anywhere in Liberia or abroad,” she said.
Hon. Kruah concluded that these initiatives reflect President Boakai’s deep recognition of and commitment to the creative industry.
“These policies demonstrate the government’s dedication to a future where creativity is not only celebrated—but protected, supported, and given the tools to flourish,” she affirmed.
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