Nigeria: Patent

As global technology companies expand their licensing programs into emerging markets, Nigeria finds itself at the center of a landmark patent dispute that could reshape how Standard Essential Patents are enforced across Africa. The case between Ericsson and Transsion, maker of Tecno and Infinix phones, raises fundamental questions about fair licensing terms, market power, and whether Nigeria's legal framework is equipped to handle the complex intersection of intellectual property rights and competition law

Over 90 percent of businesses in Nigeria are small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs). These businesses contribute approximately 48 percent of Nigeria's gross domestic product and 84 percent of national employment.

Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the intellect or mind that are exclusively owned by their creators and protected by law against unauthorised use.