The University of Johannesburg’s Technology Transfer Office (UJTTO) celebrated World Intellectual Property Day on April 30th, 2024 under the theme “IP and the Sustainable Development Goals : Building our Common Future with Innovation and Creativity .” This theme resonates with the University’s growing focus to drive research that addresses the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Highlighting this dedication, Dr. Ndivhuwo Luruli, UJ’s Executive Director for Research Development and Support, highlighted that in 2021, Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings named UJ the number one (1) university in the world for SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth. “This achievement is especially important in a country such as ours where unemployment has become a major societal challenge”, added Dr Luruli.
World Intellectual Property Day, established by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in 2000, serves as a global reminder of the impact intellectual property rights (IPR) have on society and economic development. Ms. Ruwaida Mohideen (Intellectual Property Officer) emphasized this point during the event.
Innovation took centre stage with Xylan de Jager (UJ Research Coordinator) presenting a project from the Water Health Research Centre: a digital drone sampler for water testing. This exciting project exemplified the need for IP protection in fostering new technologies that can contribute to a sustainable future.
UJTTO: Supporting future innovators
The event also addressed the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs in protecting their ideas and navigating the complexities of IP law. A recurring theme was the need to make IP more accessible and understandable for young people, fostering a culture of innovation among future generations.
Mr. Thabang Qumza (Senior Manager, Technology Transfer) also clarified the UJTTO’s role in assisting students and researchers in securing IP rights, ensuring inventors are properly acknowledged, as mandated by the IPR Act of 2008.
The UJTTO’s World IP Day celebration successfully highlighted the power of intellectual property in driving sustainable development, economic growth, and supporting future innovators. Keynote speaker Mr. Lukovi Seke from the African Union Development Agency New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) along with guest speakers Stuart Miller from Kisch IP and Jetane Charsley from NIPMO all emphasised the vital role of intellectual property within universities. Ms. Charsley’s message resonated strongly, reminding everyone that the spirit of World IP Day should extend beyond a single day.
