Lomé hosts regional workshop on intellectual property and digital disputes
Wednesday, 01 April 2026 14:48 
(Togo First) - A regional workshop on intellectual property opened in Lomé on Tuesday, bringing together judges from Congo, Guinea and Togo to address the growing complexity of disputes arising from the modern digital economy.
Organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the session runs until April 7.
The workshop is part of a capacity-building program for judicial actors in the field of intellectual property. It aims to equip participants with a better grasp of core legal concepts, case law and international, regional and national legal frameworks, including the Bangui Agreement.
During the session, judges are expected to deepen their understanding of emerging challenges posed by digital technologies and artificial intelligence. The broader goal is to strengthen judicial expertise across the African continent.
"Your decisions will have a direct impact on the protection of creators, the promotion of innovation and the investment appeal of countries," Togolese Minister of Justice and Human Rights Pacôme Yawovi Adjourouvi said.
African courts continue to face growing complexity in intellectual property litigation, despite progress in the field. Those challenges require judges to sharpen their skills, according to the organizers.
For Denis Loukou Bohoussou, director general of the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), the answer lies in a specialized and efficient judiciary. "The aim is to reassure investors, protect innovations and strengthen economic sovereignty," he said.
The initiative ultimately aims to train judges to handle intellectual property disputes effectively in a constantly evolving environment. The program aligns with efforts by Togolese authorities, who in recent years have stepped up initiatives to attract investors to the country.
Esaïe Edoh
