By 
By Ross Moyo
African journalists and creatives will get direct insight into intellectual property on August 19 when the U.S. hosts a digital press briefing with Katherine M. Hiner, the USPTO’s IP Attaché for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Ms. Hiner is based in Johannesburg and works to help U.S. businesses protect IP rights across the region while also building capacity for local officials. Her work includes coordinating with enforcement authorities, supporting strong IP laws, and training patent and trademark examiners.
Before her current role, she served as Associate Director of Operations at the U.S. International Trade Commission in Washington D.C., where she received the Commissioners’ Award in 2019 — the agency’s highest staff honor. She has also done IP analysis on Sub-Saharan Africa and TRIPS agreement flexibilities.
She holds a Juris Doctor from Boston University School of Law and a BA in journalism from Ithaca College.
During the August 19 briefing, she will focus on Africa’s creative economy and draw lessons from how IP protections have powered the U.S. music industry and broader creative sectors.
How to Join
The briefing is on record and will be held at 13:00 SAST (Southern Africa standard time in Harare or Pretoria). Media can RSVP via Eventbrite. Advance questions can be sent to [email protected].
The session aligns with growing interest across Africa in using copyright, trademarks and patents to monetize music, film, fashion and tech.
Comments