December 2, 2001 OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE TOGOLESE REPUBLIC Article 5 - INPIT shall have the following main mandates: - receive and forward to the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) invention and utility model patent applications filed with INPIT; - centralize requests for protection of trademarks, industrial designs, trade names and other titles deposited with the registrar’s office in courts of first instance and forward them to the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI); - stimulate creative activity and the search for ways to adapt known techniques to the specific requirements of Togo, particularly by ensuring a constant exchange of information with interested users and, more importantly, with small and medium-sized enterprises; - disseminate any useful information and technical documentation concerning industrial property; - encourage and facilitate cooperation relations between Togo and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) and similar agencies; - raise awareness of potential users (researchers, inventors, innovators, industrialists, craftworkers, retailers, farmers, etc.) about the basic notions of industrial property and the interest of documentation provided by invention patents for technical research and development; - raise awareness among the Togolese population about the importance of industrial property and technology, the need for protection from counterfeiting and on issues of industrial creativity; - help in identifying, defining and formulating national policy in the area of scientific research, specifically in terms of: • valuing research outcomes; • improving and developing local and craftwork techniques; • standardization. Article 6 – INPIT shall also be responsible for: - monitoring the application of international conventions, agreements and treaties concerning industrial property and technology to which Togo is a party; - assisting economic operators: • in the signing of agreements for the sale and transfer of licenses, know-how, technical assistance and personnel training; • in the choice of technology equipment;