INTERROGATING THE INFLUENCE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE TRANSFORMATION AND PROGRESSIVE DYNAMICS OF PATENT PROTECTION LEGISLATION IN NIGERIA
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global intellectual property rights, particularly in the realm of patent protection. This research proposal aims to examine the transformative influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nigeria's patent protection legislation and its implementation framework. The proposed study will employ a doctrinal methodology to analyze primary and secondary legal sources, evaluating legislative and policy changes in patent protection prompted by the pandemic. Through comprehensive analysis, this research intends to investigate potential shifts in Nigeria's approach to patent protection, particularly in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, and identify key areas requiring legislative reform. The study will explore how the pandemic may have accelerated the need for more flexible patent protection frameworks that balance intellectual property rights with public health interests. It will investigate how Nigeria has responded to the need to adapt its patent legislation to address emergency health situations while maintaining compliance with international obligations. Additionally, the research will examine challenges in implementing any changes, including infrastructure limitations, technological gaps, and enforcement issues. This study anticipates contributing to the understanding of how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced Nigeria's patent protection regime and aims to propose comprehensive legislative updates to address emerging challenges in public health emergencies. The expected recommendations will focus on strengthening digital infrastructure for patent administration, enhancing local manufacturing capacity, and developing clear guidelines for emergency use authorizations. The findings from this research will be valuable for policymakers, legal practitioners, and stakeholders in the intellectual property rights sector.
Keywords: Patent Protection, COVID-19, Nigeria, Legislative Reform, Public Health Emergency, Intellectual Property Rights
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