IP theft costs Pakistan Rs860bn annually

May 14, 2026 (MLN): The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) released its latest IPR Survey during the visit of IPO-Pakistan Director General Nauman Aslam to the Chamber. The survey, covering eight sectors, found that intellectual property violations are costing the country an estimated Rs. 860 billion annually in lost revenue and taxes.

Every six in 10 OICCI member companies participating in the survey said IP rights are partially protected and have further room for improvement under Pakistan’s current laws. Trademark violations were rated the most prevalent form of infringement. On enforcement, the picture is equally stark: most IP disputes take more than three years to resolve, with the survey revealing that cases rarely reach conclusion in the early stages of the process.

Members rated support from law enforcement agencies including Customs, Police, and the FIA as limited. The survey recommends legal reforms aligned with TRIPS and WIPO standards, stronger inter-agency coordination, IP watch-lists at border crossings, and intelligence-led action in high-risk sectors.

Speaking at the launch, Nauman Aslam, Director-General, IPO-Pakistan said: “Strong IPR protection is an economic imperative. These findings reinforce the need for robust institutions, effective inter-agency coordination, and stronger service delivery across the IPR enforcement ecosystem. IPO-Pakistan is committed to bridging the enforcement gap and positioning Pakistan as a jurisdiction that values innovation.”

“The survey findings are a useful reminder of the work that still needs to be done on IPR in Pakistan. Foreign investors want to operate in an environment where their brands, products, and innovations are protected and where disputes can be resolved in a reasonable timeframe. An annual loss of Rs. 860 billion in revenue and taxes is a matter that warrants close attention. We hope the government and relevant agencies will take these findings in the constructive spirit in which they are shared, and work with the private sector towards improvements.” added M. Abdul Aleem, Secretary General, OICCI.

The Chamber expressed hope that the findings of the survey will serve as a practical reference point for policy action and contribute to building a more secure and innovation-friendly business environment in Pakistan.