- He says their role in administering intellectual property law is pivotal
- The judicial colloquium imparts new skills, experiences to judicial officers
By FAUSTINE KAPAMA - Judiciary, Dar es Salaam
The Principal Judge of the High Court of Tanzania, Hon. Mustafa Mohamed Siyani has appealed to the Judges and Magistrates to continue sharpening their skills and stay abreast of technological advancements that impact the intellectual property field.
Hon. Siyani made such an appeal today dated June 27, 2024, while officiating the closing ceremony of the International Judicial Colloquium on Intellectual Property Rights, Trademarks and Case Management, which was being held at Mwalimu Nyerere International Conventional Center in Dar es Salaam.
“As members of the judiciary, our role in administering intellectual property law is pivotal. Our decisions have far-reaching implications, not only for the parties involved but also for the whole society…
“Our decisions have also a broader implication for innovation, creativity, and economic growth. It is therefore imperative that we continue to sharpen our skills and stay abreast of technological advancements that impact this field,” he said.
The Principal Judge pointed out that the deliberations and intense discussions made during these two days of the judicial colloquium, which was organized by the Judiciary of Tanzania in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), have imparted new skills, insights and experiences to Judicial Officers.
He recalled what His Lordship the Chief Justice of Tanzania, Hon. Prof. Ibrahim Hamis Juma during the inauguration of the colloquium that the skills and new insights gained would no doubt enable the Judicial officers to effectively administer intellectual property disputes within the Judiciary of Tanzania and eventually benefit the intellectual property rights holders in Tanzania.
“As we return to our respective courts, I would like to urge you that, let us cascade the knowledge and insights gained to our fellow Judges and Magistrates. Let us also strive to apply the skills gained in the administration of intellectual property disputes.
“I am confident that, the deliberation made during this event will continue to inspire and inform our work long after we leave this venue. The Judiciary of Tanzania in cooperation with WIPO will continue to facilitate the exchange of judicial experiences through conferences, seminars and judicial colloquiums on relevant developments in the judicial system and services,” he said.
Hon. Siyani seized such opportunity to thank the WIPO and the Judiciary of Tanzania for their joint efforts in facilitating and accomplishing the Colloquium and also express his profound appreciation to participants for their active participation, insightful contributions and unwavering commitment, as well as distinguished speakers for their enlightening presentations and insightful discussions.
“Your contributions have greatly enriched our understanding and have sparked many thought-provoking further dialogues for the future. Your willingness to share your tremendous expertise, vast experience and enormous skills has been invaluable…
“During this colloquium, you have deliberated critical issues such as copyright and trademarks protection, infringement of Copyright and Trademarks. You had also the privilege of learning about the United Kingdom’s experience with fast-track procedures for resolving intellectual property disputes,” he said.
The Principal Judge also pointed out that the colloquium has served as a platform for us to exchange knowledge, experiences, and best practices related to copyright and trademarks, as well as techniques for the management of intellectual property cases and participants examined the challenges posed by the global nature of intellectual property rights.
Before the closing session, the Principal Judge presented some certificates to Judges, Deputy Registrars of the High Court of Tanzania, as well as Magistrates having successfully completing their three months general distance learning course on intellectual property for judges.
Earlier, the Principal of the Institute of Judicial Administration Lushoto, who is also Court of Appeal Justice, Hon. Dr. Paul Faustine Kihwelo said he was deeply gratified by the level of enthusiasm and keen interest in intellectual property expressed by Judges and Magistrates in attendance and those who followed the colloquium virtually, in particular the Magistrates who represents the bright future of the Judiciary of Tanzania as we envision the National Vision 2050.
“This is the Pioneer Group in virtual training for judicial officers in Tanzania which opened doors for other groups which have unleashed the potentials presented by technology and we are very proud of you!” he said.
Hon. Dr. kihwelo disclosed that the group was created on May 28, 2021 when they had their inception virtual training in intellectual property led by High Court Judges, Hon. Dr. Adam Mambi, Hon. Prof. Ubena John, Lady Judge Theodora Mwenegoha and Her Worship Upendo Ngitiri.
“So far, we have 588 active members and they have been in a continuous journey of learning ever since. We have about 250 judicial officers who registered for the distance learning course, out of whom 141 were able to finish the course; that is 18 Judges of the High Court, nine Deputy Registrars and 114 Magistrates, out of whom 34 are from Primary Courts…
“It is important that learning is fun. We remember what we learn better if we are happy. What impresses me the most is that the learning process of this group of intellectual property judicial pioneers has always been fun, no wonder you may have noticed some kind of cracking of jokes as the learning process was ongoing,” he said.
According to him, the presence of Ms. Ines Fernandes from the WIPO Academy, Daniel Alexander, King’s Counsel from England and Wales as well as Judge Francis Tuiyott from Kenya as speakers spiced up the colloquium.
“Trust me the depth of your knowledge and experience has been invaluable. I believe your international knowledge and our Tanzanian experience have complimented each other and fitted together like a tightly fitting glove,” Justice Kihwelo said.
The Colloquium was inaugurated by the Chief Justice of Tanzania, Hon. Prof. Ibrahim Hamis Juma,who urged Judges and Magistrates to administer intellectual property justice matters efficiently, fairly and consistently in second quarter of the 21st Century.
A section of Magistrates (above and below) displaying certificates after successfully completing their three months general distance learning course on intellectual property for judges while in a group picture with the High Table.
Member of the Secretariat in a group picture with the High Table, led by Principal Judge of the High Court of Tanzania, Hon. Mustafa Mohamed Siyani (at the middle who are sitting).
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