1. Why This Course Matters

Members of Parliament influence the legal and policy environment in which people create, innovate, invest and access knowledge. Their decisions can affect whether entrepreneurs protect their brands, researchers develop useful technologies, artists receive remuneration and communities benefit from their knowledge and cultural expressions.

Effective policymaking requires an understanding of both intellectual property protection and the public interests it serves. Legislators need to consider incentives for innovation alongside competition, education, public health, affordability and access to technology.

This course equips participants to ask informed questions about proposed laws, institutional performance and development programmes. It also helps them connect national IP policy with the needs of their constituencies.

2. Course Description

This course provides an accessible, policy-focused introduction to intellectual property for Members of Parliament and parliamentary professionals.

It explains the principal categories of IP rights and explores their relevance to economic development, innovation, trade, creative industries and public welfare. Participants will examine Parliament’s role in legislation, budgeting, oversight, representation and scrutiny of international commitments, according to the applicable constitutional framework.

The course also considers copyright and culture, agriculture, health, sustainable development and emerging digital technologies. Through practical scenarios and guided discussions, participants will explore how evidence-based parliamentary action can strengthen innovation while addressing public needs.

No prior specialist knowledge of intellectual property law is required.

3. Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants should be able to:

       i.          Explain the fundamentals of intellectual property and distinguish its principal categories.

      ii.          Assess how IP can contribute to economic development, innovation and national competitiveness.

    iii.          Examine the implications of IP policy for SMEs, researchers, universities, farmers, artists and communities.

    iv.          Identify Parliament’s responsibilities in IP legislation, budgeting, oversight and representation.

     v.          Ask informed questions about national, regional and international IP frameworks.

    vi.          Recognise the importance of limitations, exceptions and other public-interest safeguards.

  vii.          Identify emerging IP questions involving digital platforms, artificial intelligence and new technologies.

 viii.          Scrutinise the performance, accessibility and accountability of IP-related institutions.

    ix.          Support innovation-led development through evidence-based policymaking.

1.     Promote practical IP awareness and access to support within their constituencies.

4. Who This Course Is For

The course is designed primarily for:

        i.          Members of Parliament, including newly elected and returning legislators.

      ii.          Parliamentary committee chairpersons and members, particularly those responsible for legal affairs, trade, industry, science, technology, education, culture, agriculture and health.

     iii.          Parliamentary researchers, legislative drafters and legal counsel.

     iv.          Committee clerks, policy advisers and parliamentary staff.

      v.          Other public leaders supporting legislative work on innovation and development.