Patenting And Copyrights In Ghana: A Need For Civic Education

“I started it first! we brought is first! I am the one who introduced it first in the world!” This is how legalities on ownership, copyright and patents begin. This article aims at providing brief information on the topic and some useful links for further reading with recommendations on expanding this important knowledge.

The need for ownership starts with understanding of obligations and responsibilities of an asset or an idea. In a more recent story, the overnight world famous pallbearers of Ghana whose meme became global in the COVID-19 pandemic era had minature figures or teeny dolls made after them.The Chinese company is said to be selling these miniature dolls at prices up to $45 each. If the pallbearers have made any agreements to receive any royalties, how willing are the pallbearers or their stakeholders to pursue this if they want to? There are several wealthy people and families living today due to patents and copyrights. Patenting especially can reduce imitation of products and prevent severe lawsuits againts one’s company. But how can one be sure his hard work is not taken from him or her right here in Ghana? This is where we delve into the importance of patents, copyright and related legalities.

So what is a patent? Simply put, a patent protects someone’s invention. These inventions can include new and useful processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of chemicals as well as improvements to these ( copyrightalliance.org). A patent is therefore a legal document that grants its holder the exclusive right to control the use of an invention within a limited area for a specified period. A copyright protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and architecture. It should be noted that a patent could be recognized internationally according to the 1883 Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.

So, how aware are Ghanaians on the patenting process and how abreast are students of this very important subject? As the Patents Act, 2003 (Act 657) (Patents Act) and the Patents Regulations 1996 (L.I. 1616) (Patents Regulations) constitute the legislative framework for the grant and protection of patents in Ghana, so in order to follow the procedure for registration, click : here. The Patents Office of the Registrar General's Department is the issuing office of a patent in Ghana.

It is therefore recommended that the education sector, CSOs and the civic education unit of the country sensitize the citizens and students (especially tertiary and second cycle institutions) from time to time on this subject.The knowledge of these rights can enable citizens to build a more resilient economy if we protect what we have and what we produce. This in the future will enable Ghana to benefit from its numerous innovations, inventions and intellects.

27.04.2020
By: Isaac Korku Dorgbetor, For AbibiNsroma Foundation (ANF)

ikdorgbetor@abibinsromafoundation.org
MSc. Int. Masters in Environmental and Agricultural Resource management, University of Zagreb.

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