EU Lists Nigeria, China, Among Countries Violating Intellectual Property Rights

The European Union has listed Nigeria among countries of concern for intellectual property rights (IPR) violations in its latest biennial report released on May 22.

The report, from the EU’s Trade and Economic Security Commission, placed Nigeria in the third-tier priority group alongside Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Indonesia, and Thailand. Top concerns include China, India, and Türkiye.

The EU warned that counterfeiting and piracy are seriously harming its economy, with customs seizing 17.5 million fake items worth €811 million in 2023. It emphasized that IPR-heavy industries generate nearly half of the EU’s GDP and over 80% of its exports, making them key to economic growth and job creation.

“China remains a top priority for EU efforts to protect the Intellectual Property Rights of its businesses, innovators or creators, followed closely by India and Türkiye as second priority countries. Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Indonesia, Nigeria and Thailand are third priority countries,” it added.

The European Union has acknowledged Nigeria’s recent efforts to improve intellectual property (IP) protection but warned that the country’s framework remains inadequate and problematic.

In its May 22 report, the EU noted progress such as Nigeria’s new Customs Act and the 2022 National Intellectual Property Policy. However, it raised concerns that these reforms have yet to yield meaningful results.

Key issues include the failure to pass the long-pending Industrial Property Commission Bill, which would harmonize IP laws and establish a dedicated national body. The EU also criticized the outdated administrative processes at Nigeria’s Patents and Designs Registry and the absence of a system for registering Geographical Indications.

On copyright enforcement, the report flagged widespread online piracy and poor transparency among collective management organizations. It also questioned the effectiveness of new enforcement tools like the Online Copyright Inspectors Unit.

Additionally, the EU identified Nigeria as a major entry point for counterfeit goods into West Africa, including fake medicines, electronics, and fashion products, many of them traced back to China.