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David GOMBE
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) has on Monday, 20th April held a breakfast meeting with sports federations, associations, and journalists in the bid to explore the role of intellectual property (IP) in safeguarding and commercializing sports.
The fruitful engagement was conducted at the Uganda Business Facilitation Centre (UBFC) in Kololo. URSB in preparations for World Intellectual Property Day, which is due on April 26. This year’s theme, “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate,” underscores the growing intersection between innovation and sports development.
During the engagement with Sports Journalists and Sports Federations, Kakungulu Allan, Assistant Commissioner in charge of Trademarks at URSB asserted that less than ten Uganda Premier League clubs and federations operate without legally protected logos.
“All sports clubs and federations have logos that distinguish them, and it is a requirement by the National Council of Sports. However, most of these are not registered with URSB, which is risky because they lack legal protection,” he noted.
Kakungulu encouraged stakeholders to register their intellectual property to unlock commercial benefits and safeguard their brands.
Uganda Rugby Union CEO Isaac Lutwama Nsubuga thanked URSB for the initiative.
“The new law requires us to demonstrate ownership of our activities, logos, and even understand players’ rights. We appreciate URSB for this engagement and look forward to further participation,” he noted
Commissioner Intellectual Property, Robert Mugabe called upon stakeholders to recognise, protect and leverage Intellecual Property.
“Every jersey, logo, and team identity represents valuable intellectual property. As we advance sports development, it is important to recognise, protect, and leverage IP as a key driver of growth and value.” – Commissioner Intellectual Property, Robert Mugabe
The event was attended by Netball Uganda President Joyclyn Ucanda, Uganda Dance Sport General Secretary Barnabas Ssebuyungo, Cricket Uganda General Secretary Musaali Denis and Uganda Rugby Union CEO Isaac Lutwama Nsubuga.
URSB officials, led by Deputy Registrar General in charge of Registries, Ntale Mustapher, emphasized the urgent need for sports entities to secure their intellectual property rights.
The facilitators were Project Support Officer Okaka Jeremiah, Commissioner for Intellectual Property Mugabe Robert, and featured insights from Clive Kyazze alias Omutegeke, the founder of CK Sports and a sports presenter with Sanyu FM and NTV.
