Qualcomm's Global Impact: Empowering Innovators with L2ProAfrica and IP Education Initiatives Worldwide
Qualcomm Incorporated has introduced the L2Pro Africa IP e-learning Platform, a no-cost online training initiative aimed at equipping startups, SMEs, and researchers in Africa with the knowledge to safeguard and optimize their innovations. Developed in partnership with Adams and Adams, a leading intellectual property (IP) law firm in Africa, the L2ProAfrica platform offers extensive training covering the essentials of intellectual property, encompassing patents, copyrights, trademarks, and the integration of IP into business models.
The program is built upon globally applicable IP principles established by experts who previously contributed to L2ProIndia and The Inventor's Patent Academy in the United States. Authored by IP law professors and EDI experts, these courses aim to make the intricate field of intellectual property accessible and practical for inventors.
Sudeepto Roy, VP of Engineering at Qualcomm Incorporated and the leader of Qualcomm's Africa Innovation Platform initiative, emphasized the significance of fostering a culture of intellectual property protection in Africa. Roy highlighted the disparity between the abundance of innovation and creativity in Africa and the comparatively low number of patents filed. The L2ProAfrica program, inspired by successful initiatives in Europe, the United States, and India, is envisioned as a pivotal step in empowering African inventors with the necessary knowledge and tools to safeguard their ideas and propel their inventions into reality. The ultimate goal is to catalyze economic growth, job creation, and transform Africa into a global innovation hub.
A critical component of the program, authored by attorneys at Adams and Adams, focuses on the specific filing procedures for patents, industrial designs, and trademarks in countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, Rwanda, as well as within the African patent organizations ARIPO and OAPI. These step-by-step guidelines empower inventors to engage effectively with IP professionals, including IP attorneys and relevant IP offices.
Adams & Adams, renowned for its expertise in IP law, comprises a team of seasoned professionals with extensive experience in drafting, prosecuting, and managing patents, trademarks, and designs. The firm's commitment to promoting patent education and supporting inventors is evident in various initiatives, including workshops, seminars, and publications designed to demystify the patenting process and encourage innovation throughout the continent. Adams & Adams' expertise and dedication position them as a valuable partner in the collaborative effort to enhance patent education and empower African innovators.
“We are excited to partner with Qualcomm in the L2ProAfrica program to increase awareness about the important role of IP and to improve access to the IP systems on the continent. As a result of our extensive expertise and experience in securing and protecting IP across Africa, we are able to share our knowledge on navigating the various IP systems and provide support to start ups and innovators, who make a valuable contribution to economic development of the continent. Our involvement in the program demonstrates our ongoing commitment to strengthening the IP ecosystem and realising Africa’s abundant potential,” said Nicky Garnett, Partner, Adams & Adams.
The introduction of L2ProAfrica aligns with Qualcomm's dedication to making information about IP systems accessible and empowering aspiring innovators globally, regardless of their backgrounds. Qualcomm has successfully initiated analogous programs in various countries and regions, such as L2Pro in Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and France. Additionally, they have implemented L2ProIndia in collaboration with the Government of India and National Law University, along with The Inventor's Patent Academy in the US, done in partnership with Invent Together—an alliance focused on broadening access to the patent system and fostering greater diversity among patent holders.
The program is built upon globally applicable IP principles established by experts who previously contributed to L2ProIndia and The Inventor's Patent Academy in the United States. Authored by IP law professors and EDI experts, these courses aim to make the intricate field of intellectual property accessible and practical for inventors.
Sudeepto Roy, VP of Engineering at Qualcomm Incorporated and the leader of Qualcomm's Africa Innovation Platform initiative, emphasized the significance of fostering a culture of intellectual property protection in Africa. Roy highlighted the disparity between the abundance of innovation and creativity in Africa and the comparatively low number of patents filed. The L2ProAfrica program, inspired by successful initiatives in Europe, the United States, and India, is envisioned as a pivotal step in empowering African inventors with the necessary knowledge and tools to safeguard their ideas and propel their inventions into reality. The ultimate goal is to catalyze economic growth, job creation, and transform Africa into a global innovation hub.
A critical component of the program, authored by attorneys at Adams and Adams, focuses on the specific filing procedures for patents, industrial designs, and trademarks in countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, Rwanda, as well as within the African patent organizations ARIPO and OAPI. These step-by-step guidelines empower inventors to engage effectively with IP professionals, including IP attorneys and relevant IP offices.
Adams & Adams, renowned for its expertise in IP law, comprises a team of seasoned professionals with extensive experience in drafting, prosecuting, and managing patents, trademarks, and designs. The firm's commitment to promoting patent education and supporting inventors is evident in various initiatives, including workshops, seminars, and publications designed to demystify the patenting process and encourage innovation throughout the continent. Adams & Adams' expertise and dedication position them as a valuable partner in the collaborative effort to enhance patent education and empower African innovators.
“We are excited to partner with Qualcomm in the L2ProAfrica program to increase awareness about the important role of IP and to improve access to the IP systems on the continent. As a result of our extensive expertise and experience in securing and protecting IP across Africa, we are able to share our knowledge on navigating the various IP systems and provide support to start ups and innovators, who make a valuable contribution to economic development of the continent. Our involvement in the program demonstrates our ongoing commitment to strengthening the IP ecosystem and realising Africa’s abundant potential,” said Nicky Garnett, Partner, Adams & Adams.
The introduction of L2ProAfrica aligns with Qualcomm's dedication to making information about IP systems accessible and empowering aspiring innovators globally, regardless of their backgrounds. Qualcomm has successfully initiated analogous programs in various countries and regions, such as L2Pro in Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and France. Additionally, they have implemented L2ProIndia in collaboration with the Government of India and National Law University, along with The Inventor's Patent Academy in the US, done in partnership with Invent Together—an alliance focused on broadening access to the patent system and fostering greater diversity among patent holders.
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