Article Issued by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. 19 October 2024
Successful intellectual property workshop promotes innovation and commercialisation
The entrepreneurs behind several small and medium enterprises (SMEs) walked away from a three-day intellectual property (IP) commercialisation workshop in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape feeling empowered about the importance of brand protection.
The workshop was aimed at improving the understanding and application of IP management across diverse businesses. The initiative was organised by the National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO) and the Technology Innovation Agency, which are both entities of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, and the Swiss-South African Intellectual Property Project.
Key topics covered included IP rights protection, research commercialisation, and negotiating South Africa’s regulatory structure. Participants networked with IP specialists, industry executives and policymakers, stimulating potential collaborations.
In her introductory remarks, Ms Jetane Charsley, the Chief Director of NIPMO, emphasised the importance of continued education and capacity-building in the field of IP to keep South Africa competitive on the world stage. She highlighted NIPMO’s commitment to helping institutions and people navigate the challenges of IP management.
“Innovation happens when technology is put into action – when it moves from concept to practice, solving real-world problems and improving lives. Whether applied in education, healthcare, public safety, or entrepreneurship, technology can transform how we live and work. For South Africa, this potential is critical as we tackle persistent challenges such as unemployment, inequality and poverty,” said Ms Charsley.
At the workshop, IP experts gave presentations on current trends and best practices in IP management, highlighting the need to safeguard local breakthroughs and their economic impact. The panel discussions focused on how IP management may promote partnerships between academics, research institutions and industry to drive innovation and economic progress.
During the practical workshops, participants gained hands-on experience in IP auditing, patent filing and commercialisation methods.
“Empowering the youth to engage meaningfully in all areas of innovation is critical to unlocking South Africa’s full potential. By equipping young people with the skills and tools needed to thrive across various sectors, we can foster a generation that will drive progress, shape industries, and contribute to the nation’s growth,” said Ms Charsley.
In this vein, one of this year’s speakers was a young participant from last year’s workshop. Ms Stacey Jane Smith, who founded African Secret, a natural body care and wellness brand, said she was honoured to be one the presenters as she gave the audience a look into her journey as an entrepreneur.
“Growing up as a young, coloured woman on the Cape Flats, starting your own business was not an option. I studied travel and tourism, because I am passionate about our beautiful country and what we have to offer the world. When I became pregnant, I discovered how many harmful chemicals are found in commercial products, and I did not want this to affect my unborn child.
“I wanted to avoid developing stretchmarks and other pregnancy-related skin conditions, so I experimented with natural oils and plant extracts. I was inspired by my Mamma, who used natural remedies on the family when I was little,” said Smith.
As many entrepreneurs can relate, Smith started out with the little she had and faced financial challenges, but this did not deter her.
“Being a new mom, I worked from my kitchen. Developing my first products took time and lots of research, experimenting and testing on my myself, my family and friends. My friends were amazed at the results of my products, and I decided to try to make a business out of it.”
Smith learned about the importance of trademarking and protecting your brand at last year’s workshop. Since then, she has trademarked the name of her business, and the next step is to trademark her logo.
Smith told this year’s participants to take advantage of technology such as social media and other digital applications, as well as to attend more workshops of this kind to network and promote their businesses.
The workshop is part of NIPMO’s larger mission to ensure that IP resulting from publicly financed research is effectively safeguarded and used for the benefit of society. With ongoing support and collaboration, the future of innovation in South Africa appears hopeful.
Issued by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.
For more information, contact Mr Pontsho Mantlhakga at 072 346 5219 or Pontsho.Mantlhakga@dst.gov.za.