A comprehensive and multi-dimensional strategy has been adopted to protect intellectual property (IP) rights in the country while consistent efforts are being made to develop a broad-based infrastructure in every sector for the purpose. This was stated by Intellectual Property Organisation (IPO) Director General Sajjad Ahmed Bhutta in a one-day awareness seminar on the ‘Importance of Geographical Indications as Economic Tools for the Development of Micro, Small and Medium Industries’. The event was organised by the World Trade Organisation Wing, Punjab IC&I Department in collaboration with IPO.
The DG elaborated the initiatives adopted to facilitate IP stakeholders. “The performance of IP registries, including trademarks, will be enhanced by IP audit besides boosting service delivery of IPO regional offices by setting up fully functioning offices of IP registries.
“The IPO is strengthening the provincial departments so that maximum assistance could be provided to the stakeholders under one umbrella,” he said. He added that all possible initiatives were being made to protect the IP rights of investors so that socio-economic growth could be enhanced. He said: “The IPO is specially focusing on creating awareness among the general public as well as the stakeholders about the importance of IP rights. “Healthy and transparent environment is imperative to boost economic indicators to meet the challenges of global economies,” he added. IC&I Additional Secretary Nabeel Javaid briefed the participants of the purpose of the seminar. IPO representatives Nadia Zubair Shah and Muhammad Ismail made their presentations on the topics of IP management in Pakistan; importance of GIs for SMEs and procedures of GI registration in Pakistan and other countries of the world.
