Stakeholders in The Gambia’s sports and legal sectors have underscored the growing importance of intellectual property (IP) in strengthening the country’s sports industry, during a World Intellectual Property Day event jointly organized by the Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) and the Ministry of Justice.
Observed under the global theme “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate,” the gathering focused on how protecting ideas, brands, and creative outputs can contribute to innovation and long-term growth in sports.
GNOC Secretary General Yorro Njie said safeguarding intellectual assets has become critical as sports evolve into a highly competitive and commercially driven space. He noted that athletes, clubs, and federations must take IP protection seriously to fully benefit from their talent and innovations.
From the legal perspective, Registrar General Abdoulie Colley highlighted the frameworks available in The Gambia to protect intellectual property rights. He encouraged stakeholders to actively utilize these legal tools to secure their creations and investments.
Chairman of the National Sports Council Lamin Jawara called for closer cooperation between public institutions and sports bodies, emphasizing that collaboration is essential to building a structured and commercially sustainable sports sector.
The event also featured a presentation by Legal Clerk Mariatou Sowe, who introduced participants to key IP concepts. She explained the relevance of intellectual property in modern sports, particularly in protecting identity, enhancing commercial value, and promoting fairness across the global sports landscape.
Discussions during the session explored practical ways IP can support athletes, safeguard creative works, and open up new economic opportunities within the sports value chain.
GNOC President Bai Dodou Jallow was among those in attendance, reflecting the organization’s commitment to promoting innovation and protecting intellectual assets in sport.
Organizers concluded the event with a shared commitment to deepen awareness of intellectual property and strengthen its application within The Gambia’s sports ecosystem.
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