By our staff reporter

Despite the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority (EIPA) operating for two decades, the number of trademark registrations and ownership rights granted remains relatively low, with approximately 20,000 individuals having gone through the process. Notably, out of the 14,000 applicants who obtained ownership rights, only 9,000 received business application approval to operate in Ethiopia, a significantly small number compared to the 400,000 businessmen in Addis Ababa alone.

This gap in trademark registration has led to unnecessary commercial competition, as highlighted by the head of the trademark institute. The lack of coordination between the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority and the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration has emerged as a major challenge in the sector. To establish a more stable business environment, the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority has emphasized the need to register not only business names but also trademarks.

One of the underlying issues contributing to the problem is that while it is a business owner’s responsibility to register a trade name upon commencing operations, a trademark is not currently a requirement for obtaining a trade license. Tigist Bogale, the executive director of the trademark institute, has explained that this discrepancy has resulted in limited practice among business owners when it comes to registering the logos associated with their companies, products, and services.

In an effort to safeguard trademark rights, the authority plans to engage in discussions with rights holders, the business community, and representatives from the judiciary. The focus will be on addressing unnecessary commercial competition arising from the unauthorized use of similar trademarks and other violations of rights.

Established in 2003, the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority aims to facilitate the adequate legal protection and utilization of intellectual property within the country. This involves collecting, organizing, distributing, and encouraging the use of technological information found in patent documents. The absence of Ethiopia’s participation in international intellectual property agreements, such as the Madrid Protocol and the Copyright Agreement of the World Intellectual Property Organization, has had a negative impact on trademark registration, as highlighted by Tigist Bogale.

Effective law protection extends beyond mere implementation; it requires a comprehensive understanding and knowledge among legal interpreters and executive bodies who are key stakeholders. The current lack of such understanding has contributed to Ethiopia’s relatively low standing in the field of intellectual property rights.

By our staff reporter

Logistics stakeholders in Ethiopia assert that the presence of the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG) in the Red Sea has had a positive impact. According to actors in the logistics sector who spoke with Capital, Ethiopian logistical operations have been hindered by Yemen’s Houthi militia, which has launched attacks on vessels operated by Israel and those carrying Israeli goods. This situation is concerning, as it would make it extremely difficult for ships transporting Ethiopian goods to reach Djibouti, the country’s main port, on time. Djibouti is situated at the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

While Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics (ESL) insiders have informed Capital that the company has faced challenges since the Houthi militia posed a threat to commercial boats, ESL has not officially expressed its concerns about the situation at Bab el-Mandab. In addition to offering slot carrier and charter services, ESL is the only multimodal operator that conducts its own freight transportation. Experts note that while small quantities of equipment and consumer goods are also shipped from the north, fertilizer constitutes the majority of ESL’s cargo transported through the Suez Canal. ESL sources claim that the situation has improved since the US-led operation began providing security for commercial ships in the Strait. Sources state, “Activities have improved since the OPG initiative started late last month, even though the threat remains unresolved.”

The problem not only affects ships coming from the north but also impacts vessels traveling from the east, particularly those carrying goods from China and the Gulf countries, which are Ethiopia’s primary commercial partners. Djibouti, a critical transshipment hub in the region, has recently expressed concerns about the situation’s impact on its operations. Although the Houthi militia maintains that its targets are cargo ships bound for Israel or those operated by affiliated entities, there have been allegations of attacks on unrelated vessels.

To ensure the safety of commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and reassure maritime businesses, the US is spearheading the establishment of a new multinational force. This initiative comes in response to a rise in attacks against commercial ships following Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Palestine. Due to the risks involved, international shipping companies are rerouting their vessels through the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, which is a costly and time-consuming alternative. However, experts in Ethiopian logistics believe that resolving the issue will not be a quick or straightforward task.

Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics (ESL), the continent’s lone deep sea vessel operator, welcomes the current agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland to provide a sea outlet on a leasing basis.
Berisso Amallo, CEO of ESL, stated that the arrangement will benefit his company’s operations because the country will have a port.
When we operate on own port and terminal we will have massive reduction on operational cost,” he went on to say.
He also stated that the company is preparing to carry out a project on the new territory that Ethiopia would secure in Somaliland, and that “we are also working to increase owned vessel and errect facility in the area.”