THE REGISTRATION AND COMMERCIALIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS IN NIGERIA: PROSPECTS, CHALLENGES AND DIGITAL ECONOMY IMPLICATIONS

Abstract Industrial designs play a vital role in protecting the aesthetic features of products, fostering innovation and commercial growth in Nigeria’s creative and manufacturing sectors. This paper examines the legal framework governing industrial design registration in Nigeria under the Patents and Designs Act 1970 while referencing international instruments such as the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade- Related Aspects of Intellectual Property (TRIPS). Adopting doctrinal research methodology, this paper examines the procedures, requirements, significance of registration, duration of the protection conferred on registration, and the remedies available for infringement. The paper explores the opportunities available to designers post-registration, which includes market exclusivity, licensing, investment attraction, brand recognition, and increased commercialization of innovative products in both local and international markets, The paper finds that despite these opportunities, several obstacles which include outdated legislations, inadequate public awareness, weak enforcement mechanisms, and infringement affect effective industrial design protection in Nigeria. The paper explores the growing influence of emerging digital transformation tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven design tools, for example, Computer Aided Design (CAD), 3D printing, E-commerce market places, Digital Marketing, Blockchain Technology for Intellectual Property (IP) tracking, which signal a paradigm shift in impacting, revolutionizing and expanding innovation and commercial opportunities, while simultaneously raising novel challenges and regulatory concerns. The paper concludes that although industrial design registration offers significant commercial benefits, modern and technology-responsive IP system is essential for Nigeria’s economic and creative development as the current legal framework is inadequate. It recommends stronger enforcement mechanisms, legislative reforms, institutional modernization, increased public awareness and Nigeria’s accession to the Hague System for the international registration of Industrial Design to ensure effective protection and sustainable innovation commercialization growth in Nigeria.