Job Purpose

To assist in the implementation of the day-to-day operations of the Intellectual Property in Communities program and engagement with clients on Intellectual Property registration processes ensuring that they are in compliance with the statutory requirements and URSB policies and guidelines.

To examine and process Geographical Indication Applications in a timely manner.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• • Conduct community sensitization and awareness campaigns on intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyright, and geographical indications.
  • Mobilize innovators, researchers, SMEs, artisans, farmers, and community groups to participate in intellectual property outreach programs and registration initiatives.
  • Provide basic guidance to communities on the importance, procedures, and benefits of intellectual property protection and commercialization.
  • Identify and document potential innovations, traditional knowledge, creative works, brands, and community products with potential for intellectual property protection.
  • Support innovators and community groups in preparing and submitting preliminary information required for intellectual property registration and related services.
  • Organize and facilitate stakeholder engagements, workshops, exhibitions, and training sessions on intellectual property awareness and utilization.
  • Build and maintain collaborative relationships with local governments, research institutions, cultural leaders, business associations, and community-based organizations to promote intellectual property awareness.
  • Collect field data and prepare reports on outreach activities, community feedback, emerging innovations, and challenges affecting intellectual property uptake.
  • Monitor and follow up on community-based intellectual property initiatives to assess impact, identify support needs, and encourage continued participation.
  • Support the dissemination of intellectual property information materials, policies, guidelines, and educational content in communities and local institutions.
  • Guide client on how to create accounts and submit their applications onto the online Intellectual Property Administration System (IPAS)
  • Receive and processes applications for the registration of different forms of intellectual property rights including patents, trademark, utility models, geographical indications and industrial designs among others.
  • Conducts searches on the intellectual property register and examine of applications, prepare search reports and provide feedback to clients on search requests.
  • Conduct and bring all IP Registration services nearer clients through operationalizing of mobile offices to provide assistance and information to the business community and the public.
  • Issues appropriate forms and brochures to clients.
  • Perform any other role as may be assigned by higher authority

Person Specifications

Academic Qualifications

• • A Bachelors’ degree with Honours in Law, Business Administration, Agriculture, Agribusiness, Social Sciences, Management or any related field.

Work Experience

• • Not Applicable

Key Competences

Technical

• • Research skills
  • Good public relations and customer focus
  • Knowledge on national and international legal frameworks on intellectual property

Behavioral

• • Attention to detail
  • Time management
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Ethics and integrity