Category: Intellectual Property

Justifying Intellectual Property Rights

19 February, 2018 Intellectual Property

Three main justifications offered for intellectual property rights (IPRs) are: reward for labour (John Locke), personality-based (GWF Hegel) and incentive-oriented (Jeremy Bentham/Utilitarian) theories. The reward for labour and personality …

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Nigeria – Plant Variety Protection?

19 February, 2018 Intellectual Property

Although Nigeria is a founding member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), it does not have a plant variety protection system. In other words, Nigeria does not have an …

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Global Architecture for Plant Variety Protection

19 February, 2018 Intellectual Property

Plant variety protection is a controversial topic still being debated in the World Trade Organisation (WTO). This post introduces treaties relevant to the topic. What is Plant Variety Protection? …

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We can establish complementary seed systems by creatively introducing suitable conditions or standards to register and certify farmers’ seeds. Seed laws and policies must include provisions ensuring seeds are culturally adaptive to our environments and aligned with our food habits. They should also be climate adaptive and gender-sensitive, enabling both men and women to find joy in working with seeds. It is essential for Africans to take ownership and control over our means of food production—starting with the seeds.

Andrew Mushita.