Rwanda yesterday joined the rest of the world to celebrate and observe the international Intellectual Property (IP0) day in an effort to recognise the contribution made by entrepreneurs.

The world IP day is observed on April 26 each year with a variety of events and activities worldwide aiming to increase people’s awareness and understanding of intellectual property. This year’s theme is "innovation-linking the world”

"Rwanda has been reforming its IP laws to bring them in line with World Trade Organization (WTO) norms and celebrates the creativity and innovation that brings about a better life for all as well as the recognition and protection of intellectual property rights,” said Karuretwa Kaliza, the Director General in charge of investment climate and intellectual property at the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Inline with IP day, the Ministry’s says it aims at raising awareness of how patents, copyright, trademarks and designs help to promote creativity and innovation.

Emmanuel Hategeka, the Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Trade and Industry said that the ministry seeks to increase public understanding of what IP means.

He added that they also intend to demonstrate how intellectual property fosters music, arts and entertainments, and other  products that help to shape the world.

The PS also noted that most people are not aware of intellectual property since they still view it as a business or a legal concept with little relevance to their own lives.

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