How has the patenting of natural products evolved in Africa over the past decade, and what challenges remain?
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The patenting of natural products in Africa has seen advancements and challenges over the past decade. Efforts have been made to align conflicting sub-regional IP regimes with the African Union's IP agenda, emphasizing geographical indications, plant variety protection, traditional knowledge, and cultural expressions . However, challenges persist due to the lack of modern research facilities, overharvesting of medicinal plants, and the extinction of certain species, hindering the discovery of new compounds . Additionally, the need for Africa to enhance its global research output is emphasized, requiring increased research participation from universities and the industrial sector to drive innovative research and development . Despite these efforts, the complexity of natural product structures, the non-drug-like nature of many compounds, and the difficulty in patenting products derived from nature continue to pose challenges in the patenting of natural products in Africa .
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31 Oct 2022 | Not addressed in the paper. |
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Open access 01 Dec 2020 1 Citations | The patenting of natural products in Africa has faced challenges due to fragmented IP regimes. Evolving towards an African-centered approach under AfCFTA IP Protocol can address these challenges. |
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