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 – upcoming events
European Innovation Council Summit 2022
- Brussels, Belgium
- Live streaming available
The importance of intellectual property (IP) for your business
- Online only
- Live streaming available
Africa - Latest News
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".
The Africa IP SME Helpdesk participates in the Consultative roundtable on counterfeiting in Nigeria
At the Consultative roundtable held from 1-2 November 2022, the Africa IP SME Helpdesk spoke to participants and journalists during the event’s discussion topics to about the service it provides.
Intellectual property service boosts new business opportunities for hundreds EU companies in Africa
Over the past year, the ‘Africa IP SME Helpdesk’ has assisted more than 500 EU Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in protecting Intellectual Property (IP) when expanding to Africa – one of the fastest-growing markets in the world over the past year.
Compulsory recordation of IP rights in Kenya: Deadline for commencement extended
Kenya introduced the mandatory recording of IP rights (IPRs) with the Kenyan Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) for all imported goods.