FG begins automated registration of trademarks, patents

The Federal Government on Tuesday inaugurated the Intellectual Property Automated System (IPAS) in a bid to transform the Nigerian industrial landscape.

The IPAS is a world acclaimed system of automated processing of applications for the registration of trademarks, patents and industrial designs.

The IPAS, which was inaugurated by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, at the ministry's headquarters, is the first of its kind in the country's 100 years history.

Aganga said after 100 years of manual service, the ministry, as part of its industrial revolution plan, came up with the system.

This, according to him, will be the biggest system in Africa.

He said, 'The inauguration of the IPAS today is a big milestone in the transformation agenda of this administration. This is even more significant because it is the first of its kind in 100 years, and as the representative of the World Intellectual Property Organisation has said, it will be the biggest in Africa.

'With the implementation of the IPAS, Nigeria will join 16 countries out of the 53 on the African continent, which have deployed the service. For investors, the service will be more efficient, quicker and cheaper, and there will be transparency and accountability.'

The minister said the introduction of the IPAS would further improve the integrity and standard of all applications emanating from Nigeria.

Aganga added, 'It will enhance the confidence of both the local and international communities, and further encourage local and foreign direct investment in the country. This is about consumer and investment protection, and it is a very good development for the country.

'The IPAS will enhance the quality of examinations, decisions and services offered to applicants and the general public.'