RECORDER REPORT

FAISALABAD: Strict enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) is imperative to survive in the era of globalization and in this connection Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) is ready to host an awareness session for its members on this most important and hot topic of contemporary age in collaboration with International Property Rights Organization (IPO), said FCCI senior vice president Farooq Yusuf.

Addressing the first meeting of IPR Enforcement Coordination Committee at Model Customs Collectorate, Faisalabad Dry Port here on Friday, he said IPR enforcement coordination committee is one of the key features of International Property Rights Organization (IPO) Pakistan. “IPR enforcement has been meticulously structured at the policy, supervision and operational level”, he said and added that IP, piracy and counterfeiting issues are a major impediment for the growth of international businesses. He said customs department has taken strict steps for the implementation of IP but still a majority of the small businessmen are not fully aware of the restrictions of IPR. He said FCCI has a full-fledged research and development wing which is regularly organising awareness sessions on such topics. He offered to hold a session on IPR in FCCI for the information and convenience of its members.

Collector Customs Dr Asif Jha said that intellectual property organization of Pakistan was established as an autonomous body on April 08, 2005 under the administrative control of the cabinet division for integrated and efficient intellectual property management.

He said trademarks registry, copyright office and patent & design office have become a part of the new organisation under a unified and integrated management.

He told the major functions of this organisation include promotion of efficient administration and coordination between all government systems for protection and strengthening of intellectual property in addition to managing all IP offices in the country. Similarly, it has also been mandated to create awareness about IP rights in addition to advising federal government on IP policy and ensuring effective enforcement of IP rights through designated IPR enforcement agencies. Among these agencies include police, FIA, and Pakistan Customs, he added.