Protection of Industrial Designs Among Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Lesotho

Abstract

Industrial design is viewed as a driver for economic growth. This is due to increase in availability of mass products performing similar function on the market and the consumer purchase decision is based on the look and feel of the product. This study is aimed at identifying the level of industrial designs awareness among SMEs. It further investigates the extent of use of industrial designs by SMEs as marketing strategies; challenges faced by SMEs in utilising the industrial designs system in Lesotho, and propose strategies for better utilisation of the industrial design system by SMEs. It is intended to establish current position and may inform policy development. The methodology used in this study was a hybrid method utilising both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Qualitative data was collected through interviews while quantitative data was collected through use of questionnaires. Data was collected from 50 SMEs, 2 officers from 2 institutions of higher learning, 2 officers from IP office and Basotho Enterprises Development Corporation. It was found from field study that Lesotho SMEs are faced with a number of challenges in utilising industrial design system such as little awareness, limited finance, and low inventive level due to limited human resource. This makes their products less competitive. This research recommends high government support for industrial designs activities and that SMEs should work closely with research institutions to access technology needed to design. There must be a fund for SMEs to mentor and support SMEs in their design projects. Lesotho as a country should develop intellectual property policy that will direct all IP related decisions. Awareness rising among SMEs should be intensified and IP Office should take a leading role. Industrial designs should be taught at all levels of education to build a human resource capable of engaging in designs.