IT is with a heavy heart that I must bring to your attention the worsening conditions and shortfalls at all intellectual property (IP) offices throughout Pakistan. I feel that I am a member of the IP fraternity in Pakistan as such it would be grossly inappropriate that I do not highlight these gross inadequacies in the systems and operations of our fair industry.

These shortfalls are causing loss of pride, efficiency and revenues to our IP offices. This then leads to a loss of prestige and image for Pakistani brand holders and creates a barrier for international brands to represent themselves in Pakistan.

Due to the inefficiency and overall lack of transparency, local and foreign businesses find it hard to invest in IP protection and registration services. This not only limits their protection but also allows counterfeiting and imitation products to be sold openly in the market. This lack of confidence holds back international brand holders from launching their brands in Pakistan.

Regarding the physical condition of offices and the associated equipment and technologies, the situation is grave. IP offices are vacant owing to lack of staff, equipment, technology and basic infrastructure.

The ground reality is that opposition cases have been pending for decades. Half of these cases are based on incorrect and ‘un-updated’ information in the gazettes --which then snowball into further oppositions which are baseless. This is further expounded by the fact that the department has been grossly understaffed for decades. With the increase in IP applications from both local and international businesses, the department is unable to meet the demand. From the outside, it looks as if it has collapsed.

We need the introduction of modern systems and software to maintain and grow the IP offices. The number of examination officers and staff to expedite pending cases should be increased.

Karimullah Adeni
Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 14th, 2020