International Senior Lawyers Project and East Africa Law Society concluded its four-part series on navigating legal disputes in the digital age with a final session on International Best Practices in Intellectual Property Rights. The session featured Bhumika Mallick and Andrea Campbell of Microsoft, alongside Catherine Kariuki Mulika and David Bahige Mutume of East African Law Society, and Glory Kinyua of International Senior Lawyers Project. Together, they explored how East Africa can strengthen IP dispute resolution mechanisms, leverage arbitration and legal technology, and align regional systems with global standards. Following prior sessions on AI and digital advocacy, cybersecurity and data protection, and technology and international arbitration, this final installment focused on strengthening intellectual property rights frameworks across East Africa. Panelists examined the current legal and institutional environment for IP arbitration in East Africa, highlighting both strengths and areas for development. While national IP laws and arbitration frameworks exist across the region, speakers emphasized the need for greater specialization, increased utilization of alternative dispute resolution, and stronger precedent-setting in IP-related matters. The conversation also underscored the importance of harmonization efforts under regional and continental initiatives, including frameworks supporting cross-border enforcement and economic integration.
View the video here.