The Africa IP SME Helpdesk supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the European Union (EU) to both protect and enforce their Intellectual Property (IP) rights in/or relating to Africa by providing free information and services. These comprise jargon-free, first-line, confidential advice on intellectual property and related issues, as well as training, materials and online resources.
About us
Find more information about the team, partners and the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Helpline
Our Intellectual Property experts provide professional, confidential and tailor-made answers to your IP-related questions within a maximum of 3 working days
IP Resources Library
This library provides open-access IP materials especially designed for EU SMEs doing business in Africa
Contact us
E-mail: africa.iphelpdesk@euipo.europa.eu
Phone Number: Europe (Spain): +34 96 513 9810
Opening hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30 to 18:30 (CET/CEST)
Africa - Latest News
Empowering and Embracing Women in IPR and Innovation - Policies and Measures in Africa, China, India, Latin America or South-East Asia (World IP Day 2023)
The International IP SME Helpdesks have joined forces hereby to address this issue by supporting women innovators in unlocking their innovative ideas. To do so, the Helpdesks have compiled initiatives being carried out by countries and IP national offices to support women in their IP journey.
Libya’s Trademark Office temporary suspends acceptance of foreign applications and trade mark registrations
The new measure takes effect from 1 November 2022
São Tomé and Príncipe will use HDB
As of 12 December 2022, the National Service of Intellectual Property and Quality of São Tomé and Príncipe (SENAPIQ-STP) will use and accept the list of terms from the harmonised database of goods and services (HDB) in TMclass.
New Report from WIPO: Global IP Filings Reached New All-Time Highs in 2021
World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) just released 2022 edition of World Intellectual Property Indicators (WIPI) that analyses the IP activities around the world. The report shows that Asian countries were a driving force for global innovation in 2021.
Africa IP SME Helpdesk and the Smart City Expo World Congress Brokerage Event
From 15 to 17 November 2022, the Brokerage Event ‘Smart City Challenges’, organised by ACCIÓ of the Generalitat de Catalunya, GOOSE and the Enterprise Europe Network, took place during the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona.
High-growth Technology Business Conference 2022: IPB Clinics
As a part of the High-growth technology business conference, IP Business (IPB) clinics are offered for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) needing IP-related business advice to get one-to-one mentoring from IP professionals or "mentors".