University of Johannesburg celebrates Intellectual Property Day

Speaking to SABC Sport, The University of Johannesburg Technology Transfer Office Director Dr. Hamilton Mphidi says the event was organised to highlight Intellectual Property’s influence within sport.

“With Intellectual Property (IP) in sport we are looking at what Intellectual Property’s influence is in sport. Now if you have listened to some of the speakers they will tell you that there are different forms of IP in every sport,” said Mphidi

“If you look at the sneakers, boots and the clothing that the athletes wear there is a trademark, there is a brand behind that. Also we look in terms of some of the equipment - there are some that are protected by a form of patent. The same with image rights as a form of IP - there is a brand and trademark. So those are the things that affect sports”

“If you look at sports now, a lot of the equipment and gear that athletes wear is an element of IP. We look at these vests that soccer players wear that can monitor your heart rate. There is IP behind that and that’s what we mean when we talk about IP and Sport.”

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Mphidi believes all professional athletes should be given training in Intellectual Property and how it could impact their lives.

“If they are belonging to a club or sports body we believe that the athletes must be given IP training because it is a specialised field and we encourage teams to introduce the athletes to IP and how it impacts their lives as athletes. 

If you are in the University of course, we expect that every university must create IP awareness, train different departments or divisions within the university on what Intellectual Property is, how it is protected and how it will help them flourish in their business.”