This issue includes welcome articles on IP developments in Africa. The continent’s patchwork of systems can make for a complex protection and enforcement strategy, but there is a method if you know how, explain lawyers from Adams & Adams (page 14). While doing business in Africa “can be challenging” they write, the IP laws of its 54 countries are gradually coming into line with international treaties. This makes good reading for businesses wanting to tap into the opportunities there.

And there’s more help too, in the form the new Africa IP SME Helpdesk (page 13). Backed by the EU and implemented by the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), this scheme has a dual purpose of promoting awareness on Africa’s IP systems, and supporting EU-based SMEs entering the region to protect and enforce their IP.

It follows in the footsteps of other helpdesks covering China, India, Latin America, and South East Asia. Supporting SMEs is a significant goal for the EU, after research by the EUIPO and European Patent office found that despite representing 99% of all businesses in the union, just 9% of SMEs own IP rights. Interestingly, Africa has some of highest female entrepreneurship rates in the world, however it also has some of the highest business failure rates to match.

The introduction of the helpdesk should offer fertile ground for users on both sides of the equation.