0
0
By Amanda Ellen Nicola Jojo
THERE is no “magic pill” that effortlessly launches anyone out of cubicle confinement and into the free world of entrepreneurship. For some, the dream of being their own boss grows for a long time, even years, before it finally comes to fruition.
The truth is, great success in business grows from just one tiny seed. This is the story of Caroline Masvingise Godzongere, who transformed her admiration for her mother’s knitted crafts into a successful macrame business, Picmost Collection.
As she grew up, Godzongere was fascinated not just by the beauty of those crafts but also by the sustainable nature of her mother’s work, even though it was merely a hobby. This sparked a passion in her to explore handicrafts, leading her to macrame. Over time, she developed her own unique designs, blending traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, always keeping in mind the sustainability that first inspired her.
With each piece she created, Godzongere not only honored her mother’s legacy but also aimed to raise awareness about sustainable practices in the crafting community.
This commitment resonated with others, helping her build a loyal customer base that appreciated the thoughtfulness behind each design.
Entrepreneurs like Godzongere play a pivotal role in driving innovation by creating new and unique goods and services. However, as these enterprises evolve, so too must their trademark strategies to safeguard their intellectual property eaffectively.
In this context, the eco-conscious business owner stressed the importance of registering the Picmost Collection trademark, stating, “Registering the Picmost Collection trademark was a crucial step in protecting my intellectual property.”
She elaborated that the process commenced with a comprehensive search to confirm that the trademark was not already in use globally, highlighting the thoroughness required in navigating the complexities of trademark registration in today’s competitive market.
“Once I confirmed its uniqueness, I visited the registration offices in Harare. The officers there guided me step by step through the entire process until it was completed.
“The motivation to protect my brand arose when I noticed that several macrame crafters in my country were using my work—particularly my photos—to advertise their products as their own.
“This caused significant confusion among clients, and I realized that without proper trademark protection, my hands were tied; I couldn’t defend or protect my work effectively. This experience drove me to take action and secure my brand from the beginning.”
As the Picmost Collection has expanded, maintaining quality control and brand consistency has become increasingly crucial. To address this challenge, the handicraft entrepreneur has implemented a series of strategic measures. A key component of this approach is a commitment to continuous learning; by staying informed about the latest techniques and trends in the macrame industry.
“Second, I ensure that all my materials are sourced from reliable suppliers who meet my standards for sustainability and quality. By maintaining strong relationships with these suppliers, I can consistently produce high-quality products.
“Lastly, I focus on meticulous attention to detail in every piece I create, ensuring that the design, color, and texture align with the Picmost Collection brand. This consistent approach has been key in building trust with my customers, who know they can rely on my products for both quality and authenticity.”
Protecting intellectual property (IP) is essential in creative industries where unique designs and ideas are invaluable assets. Creative entrepreneurs, particularly women, should recognize the value of their work and treat their creations as IP that requires protection. It is crucial for them to register trademarks early for brand names and distinctive designs to prevent unauthorized use.
As the World Intellectual Property Organization emphasizes, intellectual property rights are crucial in promoting creativity and innovation, providing the legal framework that encourages investment in new ideas, products, and services. The gender gap in patenting is complex and cannot be resolved through simple numerical parity. The World Intellectual Property Organization has empirically demonstrated this through cohort studies that compare men and women in similar creative occupations. However, against this background Godzongere was nominated to attend the Women in Intellectual Property conference in Kampala, Uganda, as a significant honor for her business.
“It not only recognizes the efforts I’ve made to protect and grow my brand, Picmost Collection, but also validates the importance of intellectual property (IP) in the creative industry.
“For my business, this nomination represents an opportunity to elevate Picmost Collection on an international platform, connecting with other women entrepreneurs who are also navigating the complexities of IP protection. It’s a chance to share my experiences, learn from others, and explore new strategies that could help my brand expand further into global markets.”
Attending the inaugural African Women in Intellectual Property (IP) Conference in Kampala, Uganda, was an inspiring experience. This groundbreaking event united representatives from all 22 member states of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), featuring key figures from each nation’s IP office. What set this conference apart was its dedicated focus on women in IP, an area that has historically been underrepresented and overlooked.
Reflecting on the experience she said; “I had the immense honor of being nominated by the Zimbabwean Intellectual Property Office to represent Zimbabwe at this prestigious gathering. As the only foreign businesswoman to exhibit her products, I felt both humbled and proud to showcase the work of Picmost Collection on an international stage.
“This opportunity allowed me to not only share my craftsmanship but also to engage with other women who, like me, are navigating the complexities of intellectual property in business.”The recent conference shed light on the significant gaps women face regarding intellectual property (IP) rights and protections. Discussions centered on the challenges that hinder women from fully leveraging IP to protect their innovations and creative works. However, the event also illuminated the myriad opportunities available to women through various IP programs and initiatives.
“A key takeaway was the critical role of mentorship programs within the IP landscape. These programs provide invaluable guidance and support, enabling women to navigate the complexities of intellectual property and maximize its benefits for their work.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to ARIPO, the African Intellectual Property Initiative (AFRIPI), the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUPIO), the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), and the European Union. Their commitment to organizing and supporting this vital event is instrumental in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in IP across Africa.”
