Law Firm Partners MAN on Intellectual Property Protection

Chioma Dike

The law firm of Gbenga Biobaku & Co. (GBC), in collaboration with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), successfully hosted an industry workshop themed “Counterfeit Threats and Intellectual Property Protection: Ensuring Brand Integrity in Nigeria’s Manufacturing Industry”. The event was held at MAN House, Ikeja, and drew key stakeholders from Nigeria’s regulatory, legal, and manufacturing communities. The workshop addressed the rising threats of counterfeit and substandard goods in the Nigerian market and explored collaborative, legal, and technological strategies to safeguard intellectual property and brand integrity. 

In his welcome address, Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, Director General of MAN, emphasised the urgency of coordinated efforts between regulators and manufacturers. This was followed by opening remarks from Mr Gbenga Biobaku, Senior Partner at GBC, who stressed the economic and reputational risks posed by counterfeiting.

Keynote presentations were delivered by Mr Peter Dada, Company Secretary at Unilever Nigeria Plc; Mr Kunle Ojo, Assistant Director at NAFDAC; and Mr Wole Tejuoso, Partner and Head of IP Department at GBC. Their addresses highlighted enforcement gaps, regulatory frame-works, and the vital role of intellectual property in combating counterfeiting. 

A dynamic Panel discussion followed, moderated by Ms Anita Ezike, Partner at GBC, featuring Panelists from SON, Nigeria Customs Service, NAFDAC, MAN, and an IP litigation Lawyer. The session focused on practical enforcement challenges, cross-agency collaboration, and emerging technologies to verify product authenticity. Participants appreciated the interactive format, and emphasised the need for sustained dialogue and regulatory engagement. The event concluded with a Q&A session and a networking cocktail, fostering further connections among regulators, manufacturers, and IP professionals. The firm’s Managing Partner said ‘Gbenga Biobaku & Co. remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s manufacturing sector through legal advocacy and industry engagement.