Sierra Leone joined the international community in commemorating World Intellectual Property Examiners Day 2025 with a high-level ceremony that highlighted the critical role of intellectual property examiners in promoting national development, innovation, and economic prosperity.
The event, hosted jointly by the Office of the Administrator and Registrar General and the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, brought together government officials, legal practitioners, creators, and development partners under the banner “Celebrating and Empowering Intellectual Property Ex
miners.”iners.” ACP Johan Bull Kamara, who chaired the ceremony, emphasised the growing importance of intellectual property in the legal and commercial spheres. With attention to the practical and economic dimensions of intellectual property, it is noted that issues such as market confusion, infringement costs, franchising gaps, and the importance of distinctiveness affect the daily lives of both businesses and consumers. “Conflict in the marketplace, economic impact of infringement, and neglect of franchising all contribute to distinctiveness.” Intellectual property is more than just ownership; it is about opportunity, protection, innovation, and national development,” she said, urging a greater understanding of IP’s societal impact.
Administrator & Registrar General Martin B. Egbenda praised the dedication of intellectual property examiners who work behind the scenes to protect creativity and certify legitimate innovation. She outlined progress in reinforcing Sierra Leone’s IP legal framework and acknowledged the substantial technical and institutional support received from international organisations, including the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO).
Organisation (ARIPO). Ms Egbenda urged stakeholders to maintain momentum, emphasising the importance of a strong intellectual property system in driving innovation, attracting investment, and supporting long-term economic growth.
In her keynote address, Deputy Minister of Justice Madam Saptieu Elizabeth Saccoh praised examiners as “guardians of innovation and integrity,” emphasising the trust that thorough and impartial examination fosters among creators, investors, and the public. “Your work ensures that only genuine creations are protected, fostering trust in the system and confidence among innovators,” she stated, emphasising that the credibility of the intellectual property system is dependent on skilled and well-resourced examiners.
Madam Saccoh emphasised the critical need for ongoing capacity building, insisting that examiners be constantly equipped with current knowledge, enhanced skills, and cutting-edge technological tools to respond to the complexities of a rapidly changing global economy. She also advocated for the incorporation of digital solutions into IP administration in order to streamline procedures, improve accessibility, and position Sierra Leone as a leader in technology-enabled public service.
Beyond technical upgrades, the Deputy Minister advocated for a coordinated, national approach to strengthening the IP landscape. “Building a vibrant IP ecosystem requires collaboration among government, creators, legal professionals, and the public,” she stated, emphasising the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement in ensuring policies and practices remain inclusive and effective.
The commemoration concluded with a unified call from participants for a stronger, more inclusive intellectual property framework—one that not only protects creators and their work, but also encourages innovation, attracts investment, and supports Sierra Leone’s long-term development goals.
