In Africa, the proliferation of counterfeit goods has reached alarming levels, impacting sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals and consumer products to automotive parts and electronics. Addressing this multifaceted challenge requires a concerted effort from various stakeholders, including governments, regulatory agencies, law enforcement, industry players, and civil society organizations.

To address the above challenges, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, has organized the second International Symposium on Intellectual Property Protection and Enforcement (ISIPPE-2), under the theme "Uniting Against Counterfeits for a Healthy and Safe Future.”

The ISIPPE-2 is a two-day conference to be held on 5th and 6th June 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya. It is part of a series of events to mark the 2024 World Anti-Counterfeit Day.

The symposium aims to address this pressing issue by exploring innovative strategies across four key pillars: Innovation and Technology, Policy, Regulation and Enforcement; Research and Capacity Building, and Consumer Education, Awareness and Engagement.

The gathering provides a crucial platform to share insights, harness partnerships for collaboration and development of strategies to combat counterfeiting effectively, safeguarding public health and fostering economic growth.

The convention purposes to bring together policymakers, judicial officers, enforcers, leading academic scientists, research scholars and practitioners to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of IPRs. It is expected to attract over 300 participants drawn from within and outside Africa.

2. Conference Organization

The conference has been organized by the Anti-Counterfeit Authority in collaboration with local and international organizations. 

3. Conference Objectives

1. Raise awareness: Increase understanding of the pervasive nature and adverse effects of counterfeiting on health, safety, and socio-economic development in Africa.
2. Foster collaboration: Facilitate dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, including governments (law enforcement agencies), industry representatives, academics, and non-governmental organizations, to develop coordinated responses to counterfeiting challenges.
3. Enhance regulatory frameworks: Identify gaps in existing legal and regulatory frameworks and explore opportunities to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and international cooperation.
4. Promote innovation: Showcase innovative technologies, methodologies, and best practices for detecting, preventing, and combating counterfeiting across various sectors.
5. Empower consumers: Empower consumers with knowledge and tools to identify counterfeit products, make informed purchasing decisions, and report suspected counterfeit activities.
6. Support sustainable development: Highlight the linkages between combating counterfeits, promoting legitimate businesses, fostering innovation, and achieving sustainable development goals in Africa.

4. Conference Theme and Sub-themes

Theme: Uniting Against Counterfeits for a Healthy and Safe Future.

Sub-themes:

1. Innovation and Technology

In the digital age, innovation and technology play pivotal roles in both the advancement of legitimate businesses and the sophistication of counterfeit operations. This subtopic delves into:

1. Emerging technologies for IPR protection, such as block chain, AI-driven authentication, and digital watermarking.
2. Collaborative efforts between industries, academia, and governments to promote research and development of anti-counterfeiting technologies.
3. Case studies highlighting successful integration of technology in supply chains to trace and authenticate products, fostering transparency and accountability.

2. Policy, Regulation and Enforcement

Robust enforcement mechanisms are essential for deterring counterfeiters and maintaining the integrity of intellectual property rights. This subtopic examines:

1. Strengthening legal frameworks and cross-border cooperation to combat counterfeiting effectively.
2. Role of law enforcement agencies, customs, and border control authorities in intercepting counterfeit goods and dismantling illicit networks.
3. Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and innovative legal strategies to streamline the enforcement process and mitigate resource constraints.

3. Research and Capacity Building

Research and capacity building are foundational elements of successful anti-counterfeiting strategies. Research provides the necessary data and insights to understand and address the problem, while capacity building ensures that stakeholders have the skills and resources needed to enforce laws and regulations effectively. Together, they create a dynamic and resilient framework capable of responding to the evolving threat of counterfeiting, ultimately protecting consumers, businesses, and the economy. This sub-topic examines:

1. Understanding the Scope and Scale of Counterfeiting: Data Collection: Comprehensive research provides accurate data on the prevalence and distribution of counterfeit goods. This information is vital for understanding the scope and impact of counterfeiting on different sectors and regions. Market Analysis: Research helps identify which products and markets are most affected by counterfeiting, allowing for targeted interventions.
2. Identifying Trends and Methods: Evolving Tactics- Counterfeiters continually develop new methods to evade detection. Research helps track these evolving tactics, ensuring that anti-counterfeiting measures stay ahead of criminal activities.
   Technology Use: By studying how counterfeiters use technology, researchers can develop more advanced technological countermeasures.
3. Economic and Social Impact Assessment: Research quantifies the economic losses due to counterfeiting, including lost sales, tax revenues, and job losses. This data is crucial for making the economic case for anti-counterfeiting investments. Studies on the health and safety impacts of counterfeit goods, especially in critical sectors like pharmaceuticals and automotive parts, highlight the urgency of effective anti-counterfeiting measures.
4. Policy Development and Evaluation: Research provides the evidence base needed to formulate effective policies and legislation. Policymakers can use this data to design laws and regulations that address the specific challenges identified.  Ongoing research allows for the assessment of existing anti-counterfeiting strategies, helping to identify what works and what doesn’t. This enables continuous improvement of policies and practices.

4. Consumer Education, Awareness and Engagement

Educating consumers about the risks associated with counterfeit products is critical for safeguarding their rights and well-being. This subtopic explores:

1. Strategies for raising awareness among consumers about the economic, health, and safety implications of purchasing counterfeit goods.
2. Leveraging digital platforms and social media campaigns to empower consumers with knowledge to identify and avoid counterfeit products.
3. Collaborative initiatives involving industry stakeholders, consumer advocacy groups, and government agencies to promote ethical consumption practices and foster a culture of authenticity.

5. Format and Structure

The symposium will feature keynote addresses, expert panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking sessions. A virtual component will ensure broader participation and accessibility, particularly for stakeholders unable to attend in person. Post-event publications and resources will disseminate key findings, recommendations, and action plans to a wider audience and facilitate ongoing collaboration.

6. Participants

The symposium will be attended by an estimated 500 delegates. They shall comprise of representatives from: -

• Policymakers
• National and regional regulatory authorities
• Industry leaders
• Representatives from international organizations and actors like World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), Interpol, World Customs Organisation
• IP Legal experts
• Private sector players – manufacturers, traders, business associations
• Academics
• Technology providers
• Prosecutors
• Academics and students
• Consumer advocates

Venue and Date

• Proposed venue - Nairobi, Kenya

• Participation - Hybrid i.e. physical/virtual

• Proposed dates - June 5-6, 2024

Conclusion

The International Symposium presents a unique opportunity to galvanize collective action against this pervasive threat. The symposium serves as a platform for stakeholders from across sectors and jurisdictions to exchange insights, best practices, and innovative solutions in the fight against counterfeiting. By fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and promoting innovative solutions, the symposium aims to catalyze meaningful progress in safeguarding public health, protecting intellectual property, and promoting economic development across the continent. By uniting efforts in innovation, enforcement, and consumer education, we can build a more resilient ecosystem that upholds the principles of intellectual property rights, fosters a healthy marketplace, and ensures a safe future for all. Together, we can build a future where counterfeiters are thwarted, consumers are empowered, and Africa thrives in a safe and healthy environment.