Technology, Innovation Support agreement to make information more available
The Business Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) signed a Technology and Innovation Support Centre agreement with the International University of Management (IUM), the University of Namibia and the National Commission for Research Science and Technology this week.
The agreement sets out the activities, composition and organisation of the Centre Networks and the conditions governing its implementation and management.
Selma Ambunda, Acting Chief Executive Officer of BIPA said the objectives of Centre Networks are to promote the technological development of enterprises, support Research and Development, to offer users services for patent databases and other sources of technical information through direct personal assistance, identify technical issues in terms of enterprises and research topics within universities and research institutes.
“The Centre aims to provide information on the state of the art in various technological fields, to take part in awareness raising activities concerning industrial property rights, participate in the development of research results and identify opportunities in terms of technology transfer,” she explained.
According to the agreement the services provided by the Centre Network include, thematic search, technology watch, technological trends, patent map, freedom to exploit, bibliographical search, statistic search and assistance and guidance services.
The agreements states that the services provided by the members of the Centre Network are available free of charge, but they may charge for those services which provide added-value, such as the drafting of analysis or monitoring reports, assistance in developing a business plan involving intellectual property rights.
Caption: From left to right, Professor Kenneth Matengu, Vice Chancellor of the University of Namibia, Selma Ambunda, Acting Chief Executive Officer at BIPA, Professor Kingo Mchombu, Acting Vice Chancellor of the International University of Management and Enid Keramin, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Commission of Research Science and Technology.