Prof. Saudin Mwakaje underscores key trademark law issues at Justices of Appeal IP workshop
By Zamda George, CMU
Prof. Saudin Jacob Mwakaje, Associate Professor at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) School of Law (UDSoL) and the University Chief Corporate Counsel and Secretary to Council has delivered a keynote presentation on trademark law at a high-level national workshop on Intellectual Property (IP) for Justices of Appeal of Tanzania.
At this event which took place On April 23, 2025, at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam Prof. Mwakaje’s presentation was titled “Trademarks Principles, Infringements, Remedies and Jurisprudential Perspective”.
He provided an in-depth analysis of trademark law, focusing on the legal principles governing trademarks, common forms of infringement, available legal remedies, and the evolving jurisprudence in Tanzania and the broader African context.
“It was an honour to engage with members of the judiciary on such a critical subject. Strengthening our understanding of intellectual property law is essential for fostering innovation and protecting the rights of creators and businesses alike”, said Prof. Mwakaje.
He added: “At UDSM, we believe in the power of collaboration to drive progress. By working together with the judiciary and other stakeholders, we can create a robust IP framework that supports innovation and economic growth”.
The workshop aimed to enhance the capacity of the judiciary in handling IP-related cases, reflecting the growing importance of intellectual property in the nation's economic development. By bringing together legal experts and members of the judiciary, the event facilitated knowledge sharing and discussions on best practices in IP adjudication.
Prof. Mwakaje's extensive experience in intellectual property law, both in academia and practice, positioned him as a valuable contributor to the workshop. He holds a PhD from UDSM and an LL.M in Intellectual Property, Commerce, and Technology from Franklin Pierce Law Center in the USA.
He has advised various national and international organisations, including the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO), and the World Bank. His role as a Head Tutor at the WIPO Academy further underscores his commitment to advancing IP education and policy.
In November 2024, Prof. Mwakaje was appointed to the Board of Appeal of ARIPO, representing Tanzania for the 2024/2025 biennium. This appointment highlighted his significant contributions to the field and his dedication to promoting fair and effective IP laws across the continent.
The University of Dar es Salaam takes pride in Prof. Mwakaje's achievements and his active role in shaping the intellectual property landscape in Tanzania and beyond. His participation in the workshop exemplifies UDSM's commitment to engaging with public institutions to foster knowledge sharing and capacity-building initiatives.
The workshop at JNICC marks a significant step in strengthening the understanding and enforcement of intellectual property rights in Tanzania, with experts like Prof. Mwakaje leading the way in this vital area of law.