Botswana

Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA) is a semi-government organization under the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Botswana. It was established by an act of parliament, the Companies and Intellectual Property Authority Act, in 2011. CIPA represents Botswana in the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), and the Company Registration Forum. The Authority is designed to promote and fully protect intellectual property rights in accordance with various laws including the Companies Act, Business Names Registration Act, Business Names Act, Industrial Property Act, and the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act. CIPA is responsible for the registration and protection of companies, intellectual property rights such as trademarks, patents, and designs, ensuring the facilitation and enforcement of intellectual property in Botswana.