Major Developments in Intellectual Property Law in Botswana

Abstract

This paper seeks to provide for an overview of major developments in
intellectual property law in Botswana over the past fi fty years, with specific
reference to patent law. It traces major developments in patent law at both
international and national level. It is observed that to a large extent, Botswana
has successfully implemented its obligations under international conventions on
intellectual property. Botswana has also implemented WTO TRIPS flexibilities
in its national legislation. Although it took a long time to update patent laws in
Botswana, the past fi fty years have seen a gradual and incremental reform in
intellectual property law in Botswana.