IPLAN Clinic is a pro bono legal advisory platform for Creatives, Innovators, and Startups.
We provide guidance on Copyright, Trademarks, Patents, Contracts, Human Rights, Corporate Governance.
We aim to bridge the gap between legal knowledge and creative entrepreneurship.
About the Clinic
The IPLAN Clinic is the Association’s pro bono and public-interest arm. It exists to bring IP protection within reach of indigent and low-income creators who would otherwise be excluded from the formal system. The Clinic operates through scheduled walk-in and virtual consultation sessions, sensitisation workshops, partnerships with creative-sector associations and tertiary institutions, and a referral relationship with the Legal Aid Council and other providers.
Clinic Objectives
- To provide free IP legal advice to creators, inventors and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
- To assist beneficiaries to identify, secure and register their intellectual property rights.
- To provide enforcement support and representation to rights-holders whose works are infringed.
- To protect the fair-hearing rights of indigent persons accused of IP-related offences.
- To raise public awareness of intellectual property as a tool for livelihood, dignity and economic development.
What the Clinic Offers
IP Advisory
Copyright, Trademarks, Patents, Industrial Designs
Guidance on identifying the intellectual property in your work and the protection available for it. The Clinic helps creators and innovators understand their rights and supports them in securing and registering those rights.
Business Structuring
Incorporation, Contracts, Licensing
Advice on the legal structure of a creative or innovative business. This covers company registration, contract review and licensing support.
Dispute Resolution
Mediation, Arbitration and Litigation Strategy
We provide support when rights are infringed or disagreements lead to breach of fundamental rights. The Clinic advises on enforcement options and steps in to resolve disputes.
Workshops & Training
Legal education tailored to creatives & entrepreneurs
Sensitization workshops and training sessions for creatives and entrepreneurs on intellectual property and related legal issues. The Clinic partners with creative-sector associations and tertiary institutions to deliver these sessions.
Legal Representation
Representation for creators and small businesses in selected contentious intellectual property matters. Through its referral relationship with the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, the Clinic also supports fair-hearing representation for indigent persons accused of IP-related offences.
Who Can Benefit?
Creative professionals
Tech Startups & Innovators
Entrepreneurs and SMEs
Researchers & Academics in IP-related fields
Book a Clinic Session
Tell us a little about your work and the issue you would like to discuss. The IPLAN Clinic team will review your request and get in touch.