establishing procedures for, and facilitating search of the IP registers.
IP administrations may also have administrative powers or facilitating role relating to dispute settlement such as
when the office serves as a secretariat for an IP Tribunal or reviewing technology transfer licenses. The
administration may also have training and public awareness functions. Finally, IP administration may also be
required to provide business support services such as specialised patent information services and in some
countries, such as Denmark, the patent and trademark office provides a platform for an IP market place for
patents. This is a service that facilitates buying and selling of patents.
IP rights administration is therefore a complex and expensive exercise requiring significant technical capacity,
human and financial resources as well as infrastructure. In a small country like Rwanda, the demands to
undertake all these tasks can be overwhelming.
The creation of the RDB is likely to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of IP administration in Rwanda.
The merging of a range of services in one agency is also likely to reduce the overall costs of IP administration
since many services such as finance, automation etc., would be bundled. However, with a new institution with
new staff and systems, the technical and financial assistance needs are huge. The priority needs in this regard
relate to human resource development, automation, accession to the Regional Intellectual Property Organization
(ARIPO or OAPI) and access to key international repositories and databases.
(a) Human resource development
The human resource development for the IP section of RDB will be key to its success. The first important steps
have been taken in recruiting staff attorneys to run the section. A key immediate need requiring technical and
financial support will be on-the-job training for the new staff including missions to other IP offices with
established systems. Over time, the staff will also require to take advanced courses in IP administration and
management.
In the medium-term, support is needed to assist the RDB quantify its staff needs with respect to IP
administration. Though the optimal level of staff compliment is still unknown, it is clear that there will be need
to enhance the staff compliment to ensure that the IP section of RDB can run efficiently and, in particular, that
RDB can offer the relevant intellectual property rights information and business support services. Such new
staff will also require training and exposure.
(b) Computerisation and IT Support for the RDB and access to international databases
Computerisation of documentation and operations is a key priority for the IP section of RDB. Computerisation
will increase efficiency, transparency and accessibility of reliable information. While consultancy services are
already being procured for the development of a comprehensive online IP database, there will be further short
and medium term needs. In particular, technical and financial support is required for procurement of equipment
and specialised software; to cover the costs of scanning and archiving the old paper records; training of staff;
and to buy access to relevant international repositories and databases.
(c) Support for accession process to Regional Intellectual Property Organization and other International
Treaty/Agreement related to IPRS.
The intention to join the regional and international organizations / Treaties and Agreements so as to maximise
the internal capacity in Rwanda needs to be actualised and integrated at this early stage of RDB. In this context,
technical and financial support will be needed to help the RDB, MINICOM and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
undertake national consultations including commissioning any studies, if necessary, and to undertake the
necessary procedures for accession.
13