OBJECTIVES OF THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY UNIT

The objectives of the Unit are to:

• Protect all forms of intellectual property rights
• Prosecute perpetrators of Intellectual Property Rights crimes
• Encourage innovation and creativity
• Eradicate counterfeit and substandard products from the market.

The Unit enforces and protects intellectual property rights by prosecuting perpetrators of Intellectual property crimes, educating and encouraging members of the public on the benefits of respecting Intellectual Property Rights like all other property rights andthe dangers of copyright and trademarks infringements thereby protecting consumers. Through Intellectual Property rights Protection,the Unit promotes the production of quality goods and reduces instances of counterfeit products on the market which may be harmful to the public.

The Unit operates on a strong belief that an efficiently Intellectual Property Rights system can help the country realize its intellectual property’s potential as a powerful tool for economic development and social-cultural well-being. The intellectual property system helps strike a balance between the interests of the innovator and the public through provision of an environment in which creativity and invention can flourish to the benefit of all.