The House of Representatives has endorsed the report of its Joint Committee and voted to ratify six international intellectual property protocols (IPPs), conventions, and treaties to strengthen innovation, protect creators and inventors, advance agricultural development, and promote economic growth.
The decision followed the presentation and consideration of a report from the Joint Committee on Commerce and Industry; Gender, Equity, Child Development and Social Services; Agriculture and Fisheries; Information, Broadcasting, Cultural Affairs and Tourism; Judiciary and Foreign Affairs.
The House ratified the following international instruments:
The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) Kampala Protocol on Voluntary Registration of Copyright and Related Rights, adopted in Kampala, Uganda, in 2021;
The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) Arusha Protocol for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants, adopted in Arusha, Tanzania, on July 6, 2015;
The International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants of December 2, 1961, as revised in Geneva on November 10, 1991;
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge, adopted in Geneva in May 2024;
The World Intellectual Property Organization Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT), adopted in Geneva on December 20, 1996; and
The World Intellectual Property Organization Copyright Treaty (WCT), adopted in Geneva on December 20, 1996.
In its report, the Joint Committee emphasized that the ratification of these instruments would align Liberia with international best practices in intellectual property protection while enhancing opportunities for innovation, creativity, investment, and sustainable development.
The Committee further noted that the agreements would provide stronger protection for creators, artists, inventors, researchers, plant breeders, and holders of traditional knowledge, while fostering regional and international cooperation.
The Joint Committee urged plenary to ratify the protocols, conventions, and treaties, citing their potential to strengthen Liberia’s intellectual property framework, support agricultural innovation, preserve indigenous knowledge, and stimulate economic growth.
The Committee concluded that the ratification of the instruments would significantly benefit the Republic of Liberia and contribute to national development by creating an enabling environment for innovation and creativity.
Following the reading and consideration of the report, members of the House of Representatives voted to ratify all six instruments.
The ratified protocols, conventions, and treaties have subsequently been forwarded to the Liberian Senate for concurrence in keeping with the legislative process.
