Podcast: Adams & Adams discusses the challenges of registration in Africa

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 4 Bouverie Street, London, EC4Y 8AX

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2025

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

Podcast: Adams & Adams discusses the challenges of registration in Africa

Sponsored by

adams.jpg
L to R: Jenny Pienaar and Kareema Shaik of Adams & Adams

Jenny Pienaar and Kareema Shaik of Adams & Adams consider pharmaceutical registration in the larger African markets, dealing with the challenges of registration and the subsequent enforcement of rights

In the second episode of the three-part podcast series by Adams & Adams on the IP enforcement of pharma in Africa, partners Jenny Pienaar and Kareema Shaik talk to Managing IP about pharmaceutical registration in the larger African markets.

The international registration system counts many African states as members – but its use is patchy. Although the Madrid System is effective globally, there are challenges to its efficiency in Africa. This is mainly due to varying local IP laws and registry systems across the continent. The experts explain how these obstacles can be overcome and how legal avenues are available to effectively address challenges.

The experts discuss the realities of the enforcement environment amid the COVID-19 pandemic and typical roadblocks faced by innovators because of problems attached to registration, while providing country-based examples to assist business leaders and consumers who work in the African IP field.

About Adams & Adams

Adams & Adams is an internationally recognised and leading African law firm that specialises in providing intellectual property, corporate and commercial services.

The firm is firmly rooted in Africa – with a tenacious belief in the economic growth potential and spirit of the continent. The head office in Pretoria, the capital of South Africa, provides the perfect gateway through which our partners, supported by some 700 professionals and staff, render a broad range of legal services to clients in Africa and the rest of the world. 

Through its associate offices and long established networks, the firm serves a global client base throughout the African continent - in matters of intellectual property, commercial law, property and litigation.


Related content

Podcast: Adams & Adams discuss trends in anti-counterfeiting across Africa

Podcast: Adams & Adams discuss trends in patent litigation across South Africa

You can find all Managing IP podcasts here.


more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

Angela Oliver shares tips for preparing oral arguments, and reveals her passion for marine biology
The Getty Images v Stability AI case, which will hear untested points of law, is a reminder of the importance of the legal system and the excitement it can generate
Firms explain the IP concerns that can arise amid attempts by brands to show off their ‘Canadianness’ to consumers
Counsel say they will be monitoring issues such as the placement of house marks, and how Mondelēz demonstrates a likelihood of confusion in its dispute with Aldi
The EUIPO expanding its mediation services and a new Riyadh office for Simmons & Simmons were also among the top talking points this week
David Boundy explains why Pierson Ferdinand provides a platform that will allow him to use administrative law to address IP concerns
Developments included an anti-anti-suit injunction being granted for the first time, and the court clarifying that it can adjudicate over alleged infringements that occurred before June 2023
Griffith Hack’s Amanda Stark, one of our ‘Top 250 Women in IP’, explains how peer support from male colleagues is crucial, and reveals why the life sciences sector is thriving
The case, which could offer clarity on the training of AI models within the context of copyright law, will go to trial in the UK next week
CMS IndusLaw co-founder Suneeth Katarki says he plans to hire a patent team in India and argues that IP should play a major role within full-service firms
Gift this article