IPO-Pakistan chairperson stresses on IP rights for economic growth

November 29, 2023 (MLN): Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights have an important role in economic growth and development for a country, the chairperson of the Intellectual Property Organization Of Pakistan (IPO-Pakistan) highlighted during a visit of the US delegation to IPO-Pakistan Headquarters,as APP reported.

In this regard, they have already taken a number of initiatives to improve the IPR regime in the country, Farukh Amil added.

The meeting was headed by US Intellectual Property Counselor for South Asia, John Cabecca, and Chairperson IPO, Farukh Amil.

The chairperson IPO-Pakistan briefed the delegation about the measurements taken by the organization for promoting IPRs.

Regarding the establishment of IP tribunals in the country, the chairperson informed the US delegation that two new IP tribunals had been established in Quetta and Rawalpindi and approval of two more had been granted.

Appreciating the advancement and development of IPRs by the US, Farukh Amil desired that IPO-Pakistan would like to benefit from the US experience and expertise in IP.

To raise IP awareness in Pakistan, it was useful to have high-profile engagements such as an MoU that would chart further action.

It would also help provide a conducive environment for stronger commercial ties and greatly strengthen investor confidence, he added.

Shazia Adnan informed that IPO-Pakistan’s accession to the Marrakesh Treaty was also in the final stage and would be signed by the President soon.

She said that after deliberate discussions on the draft amendments in the Copyright Bill, 2023, it would be soon forwarded to the Parliament for its final approval.

Emphasizing on the capacity building, the DG said that IPO-Pakistan might face some post-copyright amendment/treaties accession capacity building issues and sought help in training judiciary, enforcement agencies, and copyright staff.

Regarding the trademark examination in IPO-Pakistan, she said that there was a need to develop an examination manual to standardize the assessment criteria for similarity and content deception, aiming to harmonize the examination process.

She urged upon the training of Madrid examination and signing of MoU with USPTO for capacity building of officers on a need basis.

US IP Counselor for South Asia, John Cabecca,  in his remarks, informed that they were working for the capacity building of IP related experts in South Asia.

About the strengthening of IP enforcement system in Pakistan, he said that the US companies considered Pakistan as a safe place of investment.

He expressed satisfaction over the line of direction adopted by IPO-Pakistan and appreciated the chairperson IPO and the director general.

He pledged to provide capacity building training and technical assistance to Pakistan as and when required.

John Cabecca also highlighted the matters related to the protection and enforcement of IP rights and said that he aimed to advocate for effective IP policies and conduct public awareness programs to support a strong and vibrant IP system in Pakistan.

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