ISLAMABAD: The Intellectual Property Organisation (IPO-Pakistan) has decided to launch a campaign against counterfeiting and piracy in close coordination with law enforcement agencies (LEAs).

During meeting of 11th Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Enforcement Coordination Committee which was held here Wednesday, IPO Pakistan resolved that the issue of counterfeiting and piracy would be dealt relentlessly and all out efforts would be made to develop genuine businesses in the country.

The meeting was chaired by IPO-Pakistan Chairman, Mujeeb Ahmed Khan, and attended by IPO-Pakistan Director General Mohammad Irfan Tarar, Dr. Arslan, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority Director General Humayun Masood, Director IPR Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

IPO-Pakistan chairman said counterfeiting and piracy a crime against innovation and creativity.

He said there was a need to develop close cooperation between IPO and concerned law enforcement agencies. He was of the view that with the effective coordination piracy and counterfeiting could be overcome.

The meeting was informed that IP Tribunals were functional and anti-piracy and anti-counterfeiting cells had been established at the offices of IPO-Pakistan for coordination with LEAs.

It was decided that capacity building programs for LEAs and awareness activities for business community will be conducted in different parts of the country for effective IPR enforcement and genuine business development.

Earlier, Mohammad Ismail, Director (Enforcement), IPO-Pakistan gave a detailed presentation over the enforcement of IPRs in the country.

He also apprised the committee about improving Pakistan’s IP image among the comity of nations during last few years.

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2019