World Intellectual Property Day 2025, OAPI is vibrating to the rhythm of music
With performances of some hit songs, a panel discussion and a large audience, OAPI joined the World Intellectual Property Organization (IP) and all IP offices around the world to celebrate World Intellectual Property Day on April 25.
To harmonize PI and Music
It was in an auditorium transformed into both an amphitheater and a musical stage that, on behalf of the Director General of OAPI, Deputy Director General Mondésir OUALOU PANOUALA set the tone for the meeting. With his brief remarks, he laid the groundwork for a framework of exchange and entertainment, a precursor to new strategic approaches for the development of the music industry, integrating intellectual property in Cameroon and its member states.
Rhythm to combine business with pleasure
Celebrated on April 26th each year, the 2025 edition's theme was "IP and Music: Vibe to the Rhythm of IP." In keeping with this theme, the OAPI (African Intellectual Property Organization) commemorated the day with a focus on understanding IP in the music industry, highlighting how IP rights enhance the work of musicians and other stakeholders in the music value chain. A few musical notes and enriching discussions followed
• IP expert Moise Stéphane AFANA MEDANG, trademark examiner lawyer at OAPI, enlightened the audience on the different aspects of IP related to music;
• The expert in copyright and related rights, Professor Joseph FOMEUTEU, spoke about protection mechanisms allowing rights holders to control the use of their works and ensure the reward due to them;
• Dr. Francis ATEH BAZORE, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Cameroon National Society of Musical Art (SONACAM), spoke about the management of royalties for authors in order to ensure adequate compensation for their work and,
• Cultural promoter Guy-Marc Tony MEFE spoke at length about the challenges faced by artists and other professionals in the music industry.
Raising awareness about the core of the profession
Given the complexity and evolution of the music business across its various facets, including film, video games, the entertainment industry, and artificial intelligence, it was crucial to emphasize the need to protect original musical creations to ensure the sector's profitability. The room was packed, with IP professionals, music school students, artists, cultural promoters, and members of collective management organizations all in attendance.
A ceremony to encourage the development of the creative industry
The event laid the groundwork for a call for greater professionalism aimed at:
• To raise awareness among artists about the impact that a judicious use of IP can have on the valuation of creations;
• To stimulate reflection on actions to be taken to help musicians and other industry players make a living from their work
• Supporting a vibrant and equitable music industry in the digital age,
• Encouraging creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship in music production. The day ended with a sense of general satisfaction that resonated widely.
