By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr.
The Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) has taken a major step toward strengthening the enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPRs) with a strategic engagement involving the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) Customs Division.
At a call meeting which brought together a LIPO delegation led by Hon. Jamus P. Bannah, Deputy Director General for Industrial Property, and the Commissioner for Customs at the LRA, Saa Saamoi, along with senior customs officers.
The discussions centered on enhancing inter-agency coordination to combat the importation and circulation of pirated and counterfeit goods in Liberia.
According to the LIPO issued release, during the engagement, Commissioner Saamoi reaffirmed the LRA’s commitment to supporting intellectual property enforcement, emphasizing the critical role of Customs in intercepting infringing goods at Liberia’s ports of entry.
He noted that effective collaboration with LIPO remains essential to protecting legitimate businesses, creators, and consumers.
Both institutions have agreed to jointly champion nationwide awareness and capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving public understanding of intellectual property rights.
These initiatives will target businesses, creators, importers, and consumers, highlighting the legal, economic, and social consequences of piracy and counterfeiting.
The collaboration will also focus on promoting respect for intellectual property as a catalyst for innovation, fair trade, and sustainable economic development.
The LIPO–LRA partnership signals a renewed national commitment to curbing intellectual property infringement and protecting the integrity of Liberia’s commercial environment.
