THE IMPACT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPISES (SMES) IN NIGERIA

This research, titled ''The Impact of Intellectual Property Law on the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria'' was undertaken to critically examine the contribution of Intellectual Property (IP) laws to the competitiveness and expansion of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within the Nigerian context. It seeks to understand the extent to which these laws enable Nigerian SMEs to achieve transformative growth similar to that observed in other developed and developing economies. This research specifically aims to analyze how intellectual property law influences innovation, competitiveness, and business expansion among SMEs in Nigeria. Adopting a doctrinal research methodology, the study explored the intersection between IP laws and SME development, assessing how legal protection of the Copyrights Act, Companies and Allied Matters Act, Trademarks Act, Patents, and Designs Act catalyzes innovation, enhances brand value, and fosters sustainable growth for SMEs in Nigeria. It further sets out to evaluate the significant challenges these enterprises encounter when attempting to secure and enforce their valuable IP rights. This research analyzed the operational dynamics of Nigerian SMEs, their economic contributions, and key obstacles and opportunities confronting them. Concurrently, the research assesses the practical effectiveness of Nigeria's existing legal framework in providing meaningful support to SMEs through its intellectual property laws. Ultimately, this research is driven by the objective of recommending concrete and viable strategies. These recommendations are focused on improving critical areas for SMEs, enhancing awareness of intellectual property, strengthening mechanisms for enforcement and increasing accessibility to the IP protection system.