The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) has clarified that inventors of creative works and intellectual property hold exclusive rights to their creations for a maximum period of 20 years.
After this period, the intellectual property enters the public domain, meaning it can be freely used by the public without the need for permission from the original creator.
This information was revealed by Obiageli Amadiobi, the Director General of NOTAP, during a press conference held in Abuja to mark the African Day for Technology and Intellectual Properties. Themed “Leveraging Technology and Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) to Drive the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the event aimed to shed light on the importance of intellectual property and its role in fostering creativity and technological advancement.
20-Year Patent Limit for Intellectual Property
Amadiobi explained that intellectual property, which includes patents, literary works, artistic creations, symbols, logos, and designs, grants inventors exclusive rights for a limited period. In the case of patents, this period is 20 years.
Once this time elapses, the rights to the invention or creation expire, allowing the public to use it freely without requiring further permissions.
Importance of Intellectual Property in Development
During her speech, Amadiobi emphasised the significance of Technology and Intellectual Property Rights in national development and wealth creation.
She stressed that intellectual property serves as a key driver of innovation, encouraging inventors to develop creative solutions to societal challenges.
The protection of these rights also fosters economic growth by allowing inventors to commercialize their creations.
The event commemorating African Day for Technology and Intellectual Property Rights aligns with a 1999 resolution by the Organisation of African Unity (OAU)—now the African Union (AU)—to promote the domestication of intellectual property systems in member states.
This annual event aims to inspire young African inventors and innovators to pursue creative solutions and contribute to the continent’s sustainable development.
Intellectual Property and Global Trade
Amadiobi further highlighted that intellectual property plays a significant role in international trade, especially in the context of agreements such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO)’s Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). Nigeria, a signatory to TRIPS since 1995, is committed to the global standards governing the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights.
In conclusion, the NOTAP DG praised the decision by African leaders to dedicate a day to celebrate the contributions of Technology and Intellectual Property in nation-building, particularly in the digital age, where knowledge and innovation drive economic growth.
This understanding of the 20-year limit on intellectual property rights, particularly for patents, serves as an important reminder for inventors and businesses to maximise the commercial potential of their creations within this period before they enter the public domain.
