Mr Lungile Dukwana, Chief Strategy Executive from Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) at the media launch of the World Intellectual Day Commemoration.

CUT hosted the media launch of the World Intellectual Day Commemoration on 15 April to raise awareness of the upcoming World Intellectual Property Day on 26 April 2019.

The media launch was used as a build-up toward the activation taking place on 25 April in Bloemplaza Mall and the main event on 26 April at Boet Troskie Hall where the celebrations will be held.

The university is hosting this event in collaboration with National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO), Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Free State Development Corporation (FDC) to raise awareness about the importance of registering trademarks.

This year’s World Intellectual Property Day campaign, Reach for Gold, take a closer look inside the world of sports and explores the role that intellectual property (IP) rights play in encouraging innovation and creativity.

At the launch, Mr Lungile Dukwana, Chief Strategy Executive from Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) said that IP is a broad aspect with four elements:  patents, design, copyright and trademark. He mentioned the importance and benefits that come with ownership of Intellectual Property. “The theme is around IP and sports and how we reach for gold. When you are a sports person, you become a brand and can develop products that can be identified with you and give a certain value or capital because of your name and success. We need to make sure that sports personalities are trained further so that they can realise their potential as brands,” he said.

In his welcome address, the acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. David Ngidi spoke about new technologies that are being developed to enhance performances of athletes from across various sporting codes.  “Through these technologies, we are seeing how companies are investing more on building strong brands in today’s competitive environment.  These developments are shaping how we look at sports in general.” 

Details will be shared on the activation programme that is scheduled to take place in Bloem Plaza for the participation of all stakeholders.