December 27, 2003	Saturday	Ziqa’ad 3, 1424

ISLAMABAD, Dec 26: The commerce ministry has updated all laws relating to intellectual property rights (IPRs) for compliance under WTO regime.

An official source told Dawn on Friday that these laws, which include Patent Law, Industrial Design Law and Integrated Circuit Law have been drafted in consultation with all stakeholders.

According to the officials these laws were again sent to the stakeholders, concerned companies and industries for seeking their comments on it. Following their suggestions, comments and proposals, these rules would be finalized accordingly.

Similarly, rules relating to other laws will also be framed in consultation with all stakeholders to better manage the obligations under WTO, the official added.

According to the official, the IPRs through Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, etc. play a very important role in flow of investment and promotion of international economic relations.

Pakistan is committed to abide by all its obligations under WTO and its agreements side-by-side protecting our national interest and development strategies for industrials sectors, he added.

The government has already decided in principle to establish an umbrella Intellectual Property Organization for all segments of IPRs — Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, etc., for the Patent Office (under Ministry of Industries and Production), Copyright Office (under Ministry of Commerce) and Trademarks Registry (under Ministry of Education).