In continuation of CLDP's assistance to the Government of Mali in the development and implementation of Geographic Indications (GI) for Malian products, CLDP sponsored the participation of 3 Malian representatives in a Central and West Africa regional workshop on Geographic Indications in Yaoundé, Cameroon, November 17-18, 2011.  The workshop was organized by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in close coordination with the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), CLDP and Light Years IP. During the workshop, the Malian participants gave a detailed presentation on Mali’s experience in developing a GI, as well as received training on establishing and protecting geographic indications.  They also engaged in discussions with OAPI regarding registration as well as with other participants in the region. CLDP Senior Counsel Marianne McManus also participated in and gave a presentation during the workshop. She was also able to engage OAPI in the future planning of joint activities in Mali and also had extensive discussions with Post in Yaoundé regarding possible CLDP programs in the country.