ISLAMABAD, Aug 21: The government has notified the functions of the newly-established Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) set up to protect and strengthen intellectual property rights (IPRs).

The IPO would constitute a policy board to be headed by a chairman and would promote a modern system for the protection of IPRs; approve policies, plans and programmes of the organization and formulate procedures and necessary framework for utilization of funds generated or acquired through services, donations or grants, etc.

With the establishment of the trade marks registry office, copy right and patent would be merged into the IPO. Similarly, no person would be allowed to use any name or mark or seal which may resemble the name, mark or seal of an organization or contain the expression or any abbreviation of such expression.

According to the IPO ordinance, the new organization would prescribe, regulate or implement measures and standards on any matter related to or connected with IPR; accredit or certify and regulate any person as an IPR agent.

The IPO would levy such charges or fees as may be reasonable for services and facilities provided by the organization and its constituent offices; carry out such works or activities as may be deemed necessary by the organization with a view to making the best use of assets of the organization; coordinate, monitor or engage in collaboration with other authorities, international agencies or organizations in any study or cooperation project related to intellectual property.

The organization would enter into contracts for the supply of goods or materials or for the execution of works as may be necessary for the discharge of any of its duties and functions; supervise and coordinate the working of all IPR offices including patent office, trade marks registry and copy right office and evolve and maintain a system to provide access to public documents and information relating to any intellectual property kept or maintained by the organization.

The IPO would advise the government on policy relating to IPRs; plan for development and upgradation of the intellectual property infrastructure and capacity; promote education and research in the field of intellectual property; advise the government on international negotiations in the area of intellectual property; promote public awareness about the IPRs; liaise and interact with counterpart intellectual property related organizations in other countries; propose and initiate IPRs legislation for the protection of IPRs in Pakistan.