Savai’i, Salelologa, Samoa: April 30th & May 1st, 2026 — The Registry of Companies and Intellectual Properties (RCIP) Division of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (MCIL) successfully commemorated World Intellectual Property Day 2026 in Salelologa. The two-day event, held at the SSAB Conference Room at SSAB Building Salelologa, brought together Stakeholders and Non-governmental organizations to explore the role of intellectual property in diverse sectors. Day One centered on the theme “IP, Sports and Disability,”. Day Two focused on “IP, Sports and Traditional Knowledge,”.
Day 1: The event commenced with opening remarks delivered by Principal Intellectual Property Officer Marqureta Levi, followed by an opening prayer led by Afioga Fepuleai Roger Toleafoa, setting a tone of reverence and unity. The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour Fepuleai Roger Toleafoa delivered the Keynote Address, highlighting Intellectual Property as a strategic instrument for Samoa, converting local talent and creativity into tangible economic value while advancing inclusive development. Afioga Fepuleai Roger Toleafoa emphasized that within sports and disability sectors, IP fosters innovation through accessible formats and adaptive technologies, supported by international frameworks such as the Marrakesh Treaty, which promote inclusivity and ensure equal access for all
The Chief Executive Officer further noted that Samoa’s traditional sports and medicinal practices represent significant cultural knowledge that requires protection through intellectual property systems that recognize communal ownership and guard against misappropriation. This approach is consistent with international initiatives, including the Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge Treaty, which seek to preserve traditional knowledge and cultural expressions. Strengthening IP protection frameworks will therefore play a key role in empowering athletes, fostering innovation, safeguarding cultural heritage, and enhancing Samoa’s position in sustainable development and global recognition.
The awareness program featured a series of key thematic discussions, including an update on the progression of accession to the Marrakesh Treaty and the review of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) which was done virtually. The face-to-face discussions addressed the general principles underpinning intellectual property (IP) rights protection, alongside ongoing pipeline initiatives aimed at strengthening these frameworks. Additionally, the program emphasized the importance of robust intellectual property protection.
April 29th, 2026, the workshop witnessed a substantial turnout of about 40 individuals, with a strong participation from the group of Samoan Traditional Healers, Mata Ae Vave College, Tuasivi College, Don Bosco College, Uesiliana College and the Salelologa Market Vendors.
Day 2: The event commenced with opening remarks delivered by Principal Intellectual Property Officer Marqureta Levi, followed by an opening prayer led by a Samoan Traditional Healer, VeronikaTanuvasa.
During the Work Shop, Afioga Sa’uila Forrest Time, Assistant Chief Executive Officer of Culture, Arts and Heritage Division from Ministry of Education, Afioga Tausilimalo Ryan Masinalupe, ACEO of Legal Division from MEC and Taulasea Samoa presentations was done virtually, which highlighted the origins of Samoan traditional sports and Samoan proverbs, provided updates on the proposed National Heritage Board Bill and the Protection of Traditional Knowledge Bill, and sports injuries and Traditional Healing.
Additionally, active discussions were encountered from participants, regarding the importance of Incorporated and Cooperative Societies. The workshop has managed to deliver general principles of intellectual property rights protection, along with ongoing pipeline work and discussed
Last but not the least, the two days workshop event has been concluded with the learning outcomes of reviewing the re-establishment of the Association of Taulasea Samoa; engagement of communities regarding legal protection of IP rights specifically traditional cultural expressions; additional perspectives on Samoa’s Preparatory Works to Access Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge (GRATK) and stay alerted on sharing family and community traditional knowledge.
May 1st, 2026, the workshop witnessed a substantial turnout of about 35 individuals, with a strong participation from a group of Ministry of Women, Samoan Traditional Healers, Mata Ae Vave College, Don Bosco College, and Uesiliana College.
For further information, please contact the Registry of Companies and Intellectual Properties.
