SUB-REGIONAL TRAINING OF TRAINERS PROGRAM: IP ASSET MANAGEMENT BY SMEs, 26-28 November 2014, Harare,...
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Transcript of SUB-REGIONAL TRAINING OF TRAINERS PROGRAM: IP ASSET MANAGEMENT BY SMEs, 26-28 November 2014, Harare,...
IMPORTANCE OF UTILITYMODELS: A FOCUS ON THE SUAME MAGAZINE IN GHANA
SUB-REGIONAL TRAINING OF TRAINERS PROGRAM: IP ASSET MANAGEMENT BY SMEs, 26-28 November 2014, Harare, Zimbabwe
By J. NOBLE-NKURUMAHMIP STUDENTAFRICA UNIVERSITY
PRESENTATION OUTLINE
1. Definition 2. Main differences between utility models and
patents 3. Utility models in international agreements and
multilateral agreements4. Domestic legislation in Ghana5. SUAME Magazine6. Training7. Stages of development of SUAME Magazine8. Observations9. Way forward
DEFINITION
An utility model is an exclusive right granted for an invention, which allows the right holder to prevent others from commercially using the protected invention without his authorization, for a limited period of time
Basic definition may differ from country to country
Similar to a patent and sometimes referred to as petty patents or innovation patents
MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN UTILITY MODELS AND PATENTS
Requirements for acquiring utility models less stringent than for patents
Novelty is always to be met Inventive step or non-obviousness may be
absent or much lower altogether Protection granted for innovations of a rather
incremental character, which may not meet patentability criteria
Shorter term of protection for utility models Examination of utility model applications not as to
substance consequently registration process is simpler and faster
UTILITY MODELS IN INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS AND MULTILATERAL AGREEMENTS
PARIS CONVENTION Recognizes Ums as industrial property does not define it, accords it a right of priority and national
treatment THE TRIPS AGREEMENT Establishes the minimum substantive
standards for each of the major IP regimes but fails to mention in clear terms utility model protection.
UTILITY MODELS IN ITERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS AND MULTILATERAL AGREEMENTS CONT’D
Reference to Art 2(1), TRIPS Agreement, the relevant provisions of the Paris Convention (including Art1(2) ) are extended to all WTO countries.
PATENT COOPERATION TREATY Aimed at facilitating patent applications in more than
one country via a simplified and cheaper process This facilitated means for patents covers Ums as well References to an application there includes
applications for patents for inventions, inventors certificates ,utility certificates, utility models etc
DOMESTIC LEGISLATION IN GHANA
Patent Act, 2003, Act 657 Part II sections 16-18 New and industrially applicable Granted for 7 years without possibility
of renewal Grounds for invalidation
SUAME MAGAZINE
One of Africa's largest informal engineering clusters
Populated with over 100,000 technical artisans, auto mechanics and dealers in related supplies
Cluster begun about 1935 during British colonization on the site of an old military magazine
TRAINING
No formal training System of apprenticeship to master
craftsmen Duration 4-5years for auto mechanics
and about 3years for the metalworking sector
No formal education beyond primary, master craftsmen inclusive
STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF SUAME MAGAZINE
BASIC TOOL STAGE: Solely vehicle repair British training in the 1930s Upon return some were employed by the colonial
government Some set up private mechanical shops and offered
training as well Post independence Ghanaians begun to acquire
vehicles from abroad Servicing/repair mainly by British motor
companies( UAC, John Holt Bartholomew, RT Briscoe etc)
STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF SUAME MAGAZINE CONT’
Mid 70s economic decline forced many vehicle owners to employ local artisans for repairs
Scarcity of imported goods and parts Necessity led to innovation Entrepreneurial artisans replaced
imported components with their own inventions
STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF SUAME MAGAZINE CONT’D Mechanics begun more intensive repairs from unwinding
and cleaning wire coils inside motors to grinding down engine shafts to fit in a different automobile (Powel,1986)
Increase in business led to explosion in population in the magazine and the gathering of more experience and innovation
MACHINING TOOLS STAGE: Introduction of manufacturing
ERP-1983- import tariffs relaxed international trade encouraged
Led to major decline of national industry and a sudden collapse of the informal sector
STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF SUAME MAGAZINE CONT’D
Flood of cheap foreign goods, low cost vehicles and slightly used spare parts.
Diminished need for extensive repairs Major businesses e.g. timber in
catchment area Kumasi also fell on hard times and could not send their fleets for repair
KNUST/ITTU
STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF SUAME MAGAZINE CONT’D
Intermediate Technology Transfer Center set up by Kwame Nkrumah University Of Science And Technology
To provide technology based and knowledge based support
To encourage a shift toward manufacturing Provided on hire purchase terms some of the first
electric machining tools to the artisans Had classrooms and workshops for training of
apprentices and leading workshops. Introduced new methods and technologies e.g. the
capstan lathe, 10x faster and more reliable than the center lathe, then in use
STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF SUAME MAGAZINE CONT’D
Introduction of metal fabrication tools (lathe, drill press, milling machine etc)
Led to manufacture of agric processing tools, engine reboring, customized gears etc
Enabled customized manufacturing of auto parts and machines
Enhanced safety of repairs by providing appropriate vehicle parts
Introduced manufacturing as a process Made locally made equipment available and introduced
business in these equipment Introduction of small scale iron foundries and aluminum
spinning led to the manufacture of bolts and nuts, tools, millstones etc
STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF SUAME MAGAZINE CONT’D
Made available locally made equipment and introduced the scrap metal and foundry business
Local production of steel bolts and nuts, gears and chain sprockets put vehicle repair in a new age of vehicle repair.
There was also the local production of palm oil extractors, soap boiling tanks,cornmills, carpenters benches, donkey carts
A new era had dawned
STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF SUAME MAGAZINE CONT’D
COMPUTARISED TECHNOLOGY STAGE: Potential for advanced innovation and manufacture
Computer technology so pervasive Current knowledge base far cry from demands of
modern ICT and what it portends. Suame falls behind in terms manufacturing
capabilities and repair of computerized vehicles Ban on importation of overage vehicles. Compelled to work on work on computerized
vehicles, fiber glass bodies etc
OBSERVATIONS Economic crises in the 70s(stage one) Necessity led to innovation Replacement of imported components
with own inventions More intensive repairs Role by ITTU (stage two) Economic benefits to the artisan,
consumers, and the nation as a whole. IP component???
OBSERVATIONS CONT’D
Push factors Necessity Training Beneath these is pure talent and creativity
MOVING FORWARD Need to sharpen technological capabilities
by introduction of computerized technology Need to infuse IP as part of training
ACKNOWLEDMENT
Walderman-Brown,A, Obeng,G,Y, Adu-Gyamfi,Y : Innovation And Stagnation Among Ghana’s Technical Artisans
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!