On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, the National Assembly endorsed the report of the National Assembly Select Committee on Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth, and Sports on the Intellectual Property Bill, 2023.

The Honourable Minister of Justice introduced the measure during the third ordinary session of the National Assembly in the 2023 parliamentary year.

Hon. Saikou Bah, the committee’s chairwoman, presented the report to Parliament, explaining that his committee was tasked with analysing the IP Bill 2023 and providing its findings and recommendations to strengthen the country’s intellectual property frameworks in accordance with current best practices.

“The report outlines the committees’ comprehensive analysis and thoughtful suggestions for the improvement of the IP Bill 2023 the Committee engaged in a thorough review process meticulously examining each of the clauses of the Intellectual Bill, 2023, expert opinions and relevant stakeholders were consulted to ensure that a well-informed assessment,” it said.
He indicated that the Committee recommends that Clauses 218, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, and 225 of the Bill remain unchanged, as outlined in the Bill.

“The Committee recommends that clause 219 be amended to read as the

The tribunal will be made up of a Chairperson appointed by the Chief Justice and four other members, including a Private Sector Representative appointed by the Minister in consultation with the Judicial Service Commission. “The Committee recommends that clause 219 remain part of the Bill as amended,” the chairman stated.

He stated that the Committee proposes that the term “most favoured nation treatment” be removed from Clause 2’s interpretation. Furthermore, he indicated that the Committee recommends keeping Clause 2 in the Bill and integrating the proposed adjustment.
The Committee recommends that clause 48 be read as at any time before the issuance or refusal of a patent, an applicant for a patent may convert instead of upon payment of the stipulated fees. Covet his or her application into an application for a utility model certificate, which shall be accorded the filing date of the initial application. The Committee proposes that clause 48 remain as part of the Bill as amended,” he stated.