Casablanca: The First Conference of the Francophone Intellectual Property Alliance Celebrates Creativity and Innovation in the Francophone Space
The Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property (OMPIC) hosted the first conference of the Francophone Intellectual Property Alliance (AFPI) on Friday in Casablanca, in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the National Institute of Industrial Property in France (INPI-France), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
This international gathering took place under the presidency of Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour, coinciding with the first anniversary of the alliance, which was launched in October 2024 in Paris during the 19th Francophonie Summit. The conference saw the participation of representatives from national and international institutions and economic organizations, alongside intellectual property experts from several Francophone countries.
In his opening speech, Ryad Mezzour emphasized the importance of unifying efforts, research, and knowledge within the Francophone space, which comprises over 800 million people, in order to regain leadership in innovation. He stressed the need for “valuing competencies and providing more opportunities for Francophone researchers,” expressing regret that many are forced to “change their language to collaborate internationally.”
The minister highlighted the progress made by the Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property, praising its performance that has rendered it “the best in Africa,” and called for accelerating the processing of patent applications by incorporating modern technologies to enhance efficiency and speed in the innovation process.
The conference gathered several directors general of intellectual property offices, including those from the Moroccan office, the French institute, and the World Intellectual Property Organization, who discussed ways to enhance cooperation within the Francophone space. Two roundtables were organized focusing on two main topics: the evolution of intellectual property in the age of modern technology and the role of geographical indicators in sustainable development.
Abdelaziz Babikhi, the director general of the Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property, reiterated that this meeting reflects the members’ desire to “unify resources and develop joint programs to ensure an open industrial property that adapts to local particularities.”
The Francophone Intellectual Property Alliance aims to enhance the capacities of member states in the field of intellectual property, encourage the exchange of expertise, and find suitable solutions for the needs of enterprises, especially small and medium-sized ones.
This first conference marked a significant milestone in strengthening the ties between Francophone countries, reaffirming the position of industrial property as a driver of economic development, competitiveness, and inclusion.
