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| Over the last decade six of the world’s ten fastest-growing economies have been in sub-Saharan Africa. Many predict that over the next decade Africa is likely to emerge as the fastest growing economic region, assuming this mantel from Asia. |
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| These trends are also playing themselves out in the intellectual property sector, with consistently high growth in patent filings. The growth is being driven predominantly by corporates based in the United States, Europe and China, which see Africa as an important emerging market for their products, services and technologies. |
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Nigeria
Patent activity in Nigeria reflects these trends. Patent filings show strong growth, but as can be seen from the graph below, this growth is driven almost exclusively by international corporates filing patents in Nigeria.
Pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, information technology, telecommunications, mining and retail are the most active sectors.
With the growth of patent filings in Nigeria there has also been an increased level of activity in patent enforcement. Patent litigation in Africa, outside of South Africa, was almost non-existent ten years ago. This has changed significantly in recent years with four patent disputes proceeding to hearings in the courts in Nigeria. Once again, the protagonists in these matters are international corporates looking to build and protect their commercial positions in Nigeria.
We expect these trends to continue, if not increase, in the next few years.
Chris Bull - Director
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