Kampala Uganda-The Uganda National Bureau of Standards and The Uganda Registration Service Bureau (URSB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on promotion and enforcement of standards, and protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights.
The signing of this MoU indicates commitment by the two institutions to work together on areas of tracking of local manufacturers and traders, joint sensitization programs on issues of joint concern, information sharing and having a common position on matters of common interest and joint enforcement programs. Ultimately, URSB will ensure the public upholds compulsory standards before an application for a trademark can be granted. The MoU was signed by the Registrar General of URSB Mr.Bemanya Twebaze and the Executive Director UNBS Dr.Ben Manyindo.
During the signing ceremony, the Registrar General of URSB Mr.Bemanya Twebaze noted that “this would result in a more sufficient and easily accessible service and a more visible coordination action from the government against counterfeits and substandard goods that will improve the environment of doing business in Uganda”.
Dr. Ben Manyindo noted as well that, “the synergies that will accrue from this cooperation will go a long way in protecting the consumers while protecting intellectual property rights of manufacturers.
Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament, under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives and is responsible for matters of Standardization, Quality Assurance, Metrology and Testing.
while Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) is an autonomous statutory body established by Chapter 210 Laws of Uganda. It is responsible for registration of Business names, companies and legal documents, Intellectual Property Rights (such as patents, trademarks, industrial designs and copyright) and Civil Registration (registration of all marriages and conducts civil marriages). The Bureau also handles Insolvency matters.
