On Thursday, 26 April 2018, The University of Venda (Univen) hosted the World Intellectual Property Day at the University’s Research Conference Centre. The event aimed at raising awareness about the role that intellectual property rights play in encouraging innovation and creativity. The theme for 2018 was dubbed ‘Women in innovation and creativity’.
Advocate Rory Voller who is the commissioner at the CIPC gave the keynote address. His presentation was cemented on the fundamentals of registering and protecting intellectual property. He gave a brief overview of how ideas get stolen and as such it is of significance that people register their intellectual property with relevant bodies like Technology Innovation Agency (TIA).
Preceding the keynote address was an informative presentation from TIA. The presentation was led by Mr. Patrick Krappie. In his presentation he elaborated the role of TIA in intellectual property protection. He emphasised on how TIA aims to turn an idea into its material form and still protect it from being stolen. He also provided clarity on the different types of intellectual property that exist like patents, designs, trade-secretes, copy rights.
Ms Kerryne Krause-Neufeldt who is the founder of EyeSlices Company, a beauty range that helps get rid of puffy eyes and dark circles. Her presentation narrated her business endeavours on how she started small and ended up being in business in foreign countries like China and America just to name a few. Ms Krause-Neufeldt shared heartfelt messages as to how one can be more innovative and creative. She advised women who are interested in business to identify the gap, create a concept around the gap then run with the idea.
Amongst the speakers of the day was Ms Mufhatutshedzwa Ramusetheli from Carolasa. She showcased most of her hand made craft work in which she only uses recycled materials such as mirrors made from plastic spoons, chairs and cooler boxes made from old tires.
Mr Rulani Nevhufumba from MLAB gave a presentation about how to access business funds from their office as a financial support. The financial support can be up to R500 000 and non-financial support such as office space and internet connections. He also gave examples of some of the mobile solutions they have funded such as Technovera which assist people to accessing their medication at clinics without standing on long queues.
Wrapping up the presentations of the event was Mr. Mmboneni Muofhe from the Department of Science and Technology. His presentation dwelled on the theme of the event, ‘women in innovation and creativity’. He warned that women with creativity should not be wasted. He gave statistics that show that from 2008 to 2014, there has been an increase in the number of women who have registered their intellectual property.
Attendees of the World Intellectual Property Day event pose for a photo after the event
Issued by:
Department of Communications & Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525
Date: 06 May 2018
