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The National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO) under the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) in South Africa, was established through the Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development IPR Act (No. 51 of 2008).
IRP Act enables the identification, protection, utilisation and commercialisation of intellectual property (IP) from publicly funded research and development.
Through strategic guidance, regulatory oversight of specific IP transactions, financial incentives, targeted support for institutional offices of technology transfer, general IP advocacy and awareness initiatives, and legislative enforcement, NIPMO ensures that publicly funded IP contributes meaningfully to national development and advances South Africa's knowledge economy.
What drives us
Mission
To ensure the effective identification, protection and utilisation of intellectual property emanating from publicly funded research and development, aligned with the IPR Act, while building capacity, raising awareness and enabling partnerships that unlock South Africa's innovation potential for economic and social development.
Vision
A South Africa where intellectual property from publicly funded research and development, supported through effective regulation and strategic collaboration, fuels innovation, inclusive growth and sustainable socio-economic transformation
Our Eight Core Functions
Explore the comprehensive range of services and responsibilities that drive NIPMO's mission to enhance South Africa's intellectual property ecosystem.
NIPMO enforces the IPR Act, ensuring that outputs from publicly financed research and development benefits the nation.
Key Responsibilities:
Developing and maintaining guidelines, practice notes and NIPMO interpretation notes to assist in complying with the IPR Act and Regulations
Reviewing and responding to collaborative research agreements, ensuring fair commercialisation provisions
Evaluating IP referred to NIPMO to determine the feasibility of statutory protection or alternative approaches
Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development Act
The IPR Act (No. 51 of 2008) serves as the cornerstone legislation governing intellectual property management in South Africa's publicly funded research ecosystem.
Enacted in 2008
Complete legislation
Key Provisions of the IPR Act
IP Ownership Framework
Establishes clear ownership rights for IP arising from publicly funded research
Benefit-Sharing Requirements
Mandates fair distribution of commercialization benefits to IP creators and institutions
NIPMO's Regulatory Role
Defines NIPMO's authority in IP management and compliance oversight
National Interest Protection
Ensures IP serves South Africa's developmental and economic interests
Need assistance with IPR Act compliance?
NIPMO Advisory Board and Dispute Panel
The Advisory Board advises NIPMO on the performance of its functions, the exercise of its powers, the execution of its duties, including providing guidance and assistance to NIPMO in the implementation of the IPR Act and these regulations.
The Advisory Board is accountable to the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation for its performance and on an annual basis provides the Minister with a report detailing its advice to both the Minister and NIPMO.
The Advisory Board generally consists of no fewer than five (5), but not more than nine (9) members, appointed by the Minister. The Chairperson presides over the meetings and the Head of NIPMO is an ex-officio member of the Advisory Board.
The Dispute panel is established by the Minister to hear and determine disputes regarding the administrative decisions of NIPMO. It is accountable to the Minister for its actions and must on an annual basis provide the Minister with a report detailing a summary of its activities and decisions.
The Dispute Panel generally consists of at least five (5) but no more than twenty (20) members with experience and expertise in areas relating to at least, intellectual property protection and management, commercialisation, dispute resolution and business.
A sitting of the Dispute Panel for any matter is generally made up of at least three (3) members selected by the Chairperson of the Dispute Panel in consultation with the parties to the dispute.