The North-West University (NWU) recently played host to the annual World Intellectual Property Day (WIPD) celebrations in collaboration with several key partners – including the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC), the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), and the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA). This event, held on 25 April at the Mahikeng Campus and on 26 April at the Potchefstroom Campus, served as a platform to raise awareness about the significance of intellectual property (IP) rights in shaping our daily lives.

WIPD, observed annually on 26 April, underscores the critical role of patents, copyrights, trademarks and designs in driving innovation and creativity. This year’s theme, "IP and the SDGs: Building our common future with innovation and creativity", aligns with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which provide a framework for addressing global challenges and fostering sustainable development. The focus on integrating IP with the SDGs highlights the indispensable role of intellectual property in advancing societal progress and addressing pressing global issues.

In the words of Prof Jeffrey Mphahlele, the deputy vice-chancellor for Research and Innovation at the NWU: "Intellectual property is the cornerstone of innovation, driving progress and shaping our collective future. Through collaboration and respect for IP rights, we pave the way for a more prosperous and sustainable world."

During the WIPD celebration, the NWU launched a new educational card game called Prosper to celebrate WIPD in 2024. The game, created by the Bunt brothers (Dr Byron Bunt and Dr Lance Bunt), who work at the NWU, is all about using intellectual property to teach people about the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Prosper presents different challenges relating to making society better, providing an engaging and interactive way to learn about the SDGs and the role of intellectual property in achieving them. Soon, Prosper will be available on the Merlot and OER Africa websites, allowing teachers anywhere to download, print and use it in educational settings. This will further the dissemination of knowledge about intellectual property and sustainable development.

The NWU and its partners joined forces to promote innovation, creativity and sustainable development through intellectual property rights. By spreading awareness, encouraging respect and safeguarding IP rights, the event highlighted the importance of nurturing a strong IP ecosystem for economic growth and societal advancement.

The WIPD celebration at the NWU sparked dialogue and collaboration, driving efforts to leverage innovation and creativity for a more sustainable future. In a rapidly changing world, protecting and promoting IP rights is crucial for building a better world for everyone.

Visit Technology Transfer and Innovation Support (TTIS)

World Intellectual Property Day Changemakers’ Gallery