Challenges of Intellectual Property Protection for Nigerian Technology Start-ups Expanding Internationally

This study investigates the intellectual property (IP) protection challenges faced by Nigerian technology start-ups as they pursue international market expansion. Nigeria's technology ecosystem, particularly in Lagos and Abuja, has produced a generation of fintech, health-tech, and agri-tech start-ups that are increasingly attracting global investors and exploring cross-border scaling opportunities. However, the adequacy of IP protection frameworks and the strategic IP management practices of these firms remain understudied. The research adopts a qualitative design, utilising in-depth interviews with 30 founders and legal counsels of technology start-ups with international operations or investor partnerships, recruited through the Lagos Start-up ecosystem network. Thematic analysis is used to derive findings. The theoretical framework draws on the knowledge-based theory of the firm and the institutional theory of intellectual property rights. The study examines how Nigerian technology firms navigate patent registration, trademark protection, software copyright, and trade secret safeguarding across multiple jurisdictions, including the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization framework and bilateral IP agreements. Barriers including high registration costs, insufficient IP legal expertise, and jurisdictional enforcement challenges are documented. Findings are expected to reveal that most start-ups adopt informal IP protection strategies due to cost constraints, creating significant vulnerability during international expansion. Recommendations include government-subsidised IP registration programmes, IP advisory clinics embedded in start-up incubators, and curriculum integration of IP management in Nigerian technology entrepreneurship education. Keywords: intellectual property, technology start-ups, international expansion, Nigeria, IP protection