From 12-15th November 2025, a Beninese Delegation from the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Republic of Benin, visited Athens in the context of the ongoing project: "Enhancing the capacities of the Directorate of Industrial Development of Benin."
The Delegation was led by Mr. Jeremie Dovoedo, Director of Industrial Development, with Mr. Roufaï Sarhabilou Adékambi, Head of the National Liaison Structure of the African Intellectual Property Organization (SNL-OAPI) and Mrs. Rosalie Hounkannon, who is responsible for the innovations valorization at the Directorate of Industrial Development.
On the 12th of November 2025, the Delegation was hosted by the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization (OBI) . Mrs. Katerina Margellou, Deputy Director General at OBI, welcomed all participants on behalf of Mr. Panagiotis Kanellopoulos, Director General of OBI. All participants had the opportunity to attend sessions regarding the grant of patents, the registration of industrial designs and e-filing; the use of AI tools for the examination process and the IP awareness initiatives led by OBI.
On the 13th of November, Mrs. Lola Lyberopoulou, EPLO Director of the Department of Technical Cooperation, welcomed the delegation to EPLO’s historic premises. The participants had the opportunity to attend a session on the Greek framework for the Geographical Indications and relevant case studies. The session was held by Mrs. Iakovina Bakoulopoulou, Officer of the Unit PDO/PGI/TSG of the Hellenic Ministry of Rural Development and Food.
On the 14th of November, the Beninese Delegation together with the Project team visited the Customs Authority of Piraeus, where they were hosted and welcomed by Μr. Parashos Lentis, Head of Sub-Directorate of Ex-post Controls and Prosecution.
The Greek Project team includes Mrs. Lola Lyberopoulou, Mrs. Lea Stavrou, Program Officer at EPLO, Mrs. Katerina Margellou, Mrs. Myrto Lambrou Maurer, Head of International Affairs at OBI, Mrs. Pelagia Saritsami, Lawyer at OBI, Mr. Loukas Galonis, Patent Examiner at OBI and Mr. Aristeidis Pittaras, Director of Applications & Grants at OBI.
The project aims to support the capacity building of local officers and to support SNL-OAPI in consolidating its role as a bridge between local innovators and global IP protection mechanisms, positioning industrial property as a strategic pillar for Benin's economic development.
The Project is funded by the Hellenic Industrial Property Organisation (OBI) and implemented by the EPLO European Public Law Organization and it has a duration of 1 year (March 2025-March 2026). Find out more here.
