AI Magazine Issue 12 2018

40 Acquisition International - Issue 12 2018 BMatanga IP Attorneys is dedicated to protecting the intangible assets of companies with business interests in Africa. We find out more about the rationale behind the firm’s creation as we speak to Managing Partner, Miss B Matanga. efined by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) as “… creations of the mind: inventions, literary and artistic works, names, images and designs used in commerce” it’s fair to say that intellectual property is woven into the very fabric of most businesses and organisations the world over. With the IT revolution in full swing, there emerges a new breed of legal services provider, dedicated to protecting the mind’s creations! B Matanga IP Attorneys is an African law firm specialising in intellectualpropertyservices.Founded in January 2010 by Managing Partner, Brenda Matanga, the company was borne out of the recognition of a unique type of client in need of specialist advice, and a unique set of legal services, in an ever-evolving world. Aiming to address these needs, the firm provides support to companies and institutions whose business interests lie within Africa. MissMatanga explainsmore about intellectual property and how it inspired her to incept a company targeting this niche area of law. “Now more than ever the world has begun dancing to the sound of the same drum. With the introduction and development of the World Wide Web it has become effortless for culture and artistic works to cross international physical boundaries with one click of a button. Whilst this has ushered in a new era of unhindered distribution of information, traditions and creative works, it has also created a fog-filled international digital maze that has Intellectual Property Agents and Law makers clamouring for a way out.” MissBrendaMatangaholdsaBachelorofLawHonours Degree (LLBs) from the University of Zimbabwe as well as a Masters in Intellectual Property Law (LLM) from the University of Turin (Italy) in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). Miss Matanga has extensive experience of practice as an Intellectual Property attorney. She served as an attaché at the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO) following her post- graduate studies and is currently a resource person of the organisation. Her contributions in the intellectual property law field include the recent amendments to the ARIPO Banjul Protocol on Trademarks in which she is part of the working group behind the analysis and amendment of ARIPO’s legal instruments. Miss Matanga is currently advocating and spearheading the legislative reforms in patent law and update of Zimbabwe‘s IP laws in general. She embellishes on the IP issues that Africa faces. “The situation is worse in Africa. With little to no knowledge about Intellectual Property and the rights afforded to creators, litigation is virtually non-existent and what Contact: Brenda Matanga Company: B Matanga IP Attornerys Address: 5 Downie Avenue Belgravia, Harare, Zimbabwe Telephone: +263 4 791 296 Web Address: http://bmatanga.com Brave NewWorld D 1808AI03 little case law there is does not provide comprehensive precedent which other Intellectual Property Legal Practitioners can follow. “Existing Intellectual Property Laws were developed in the pre-digital era and are being applied in the ever evolving digital environment. As comprehensive as the current laws are, the glove does not fit. What needs to be done now is develop a flexible Intellectual Property system that balances the rights of the public to information, technology and artistic works to the rights of the creators to be compensated for their works.” Located in Zimbabwe’s capital Harare, B Matanga is strategically housed in close proximity to the headquarters of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) in the leafy suburbs of Belgravia, one of Harare’s prime business areas. It is easily accessible and centrally located close to all key institutions and government agencies. “Zimbabwe has relatively modern Copyright Laws but they are slowly failing to meet the demands of the ever changing digital world. As we fall behind, the maze is getting more and more complicated, but we can find comfort in the fact that even the more elaborate legal systems in the world are having a hard time reconciling legal rules and regulations to the intangible space where culture and creativity now exists.” With a reliable network of experienced attorneys, all of which have strong academic backgrounds and bring with them a wealth of expertise, the firm already has a formidable presence throughout Africa. Outside the continent, B Matanga’s dedicated international outlook means that it has already established mutually beneficial relationships with firms in various parts of the world in order to cater for its clients and provide a global solution. The organisation’s long-term view centres around the creation, development and nurturing of solid and lasting global and local relationships. Despite being predominantly focused on intellectual property, B Matanga is also developing other specialist legal services to complement its IP offering, in order to further grow and develop its varied client base, both locally and internationally. With high ethical and professional standards, the firm adheres to a work culture of service excellence and professional competence and aims to become a recognised, reputable and outstanding provider, both in the region and beyond. “As we embark on another day to celebrate the creations of the human mind, the fog surrounding the digital maze might not be lifting as yet, but the path towards efficient harmonization is surely there. We just have to find it.”