Faisalabad’s agri university can be richest in South Asia: Law minister
Says intellectuals can contribute significantly to the economy.
Caretaker Law Minster Ahmer Bilal Soofi says the university could be the richest institute in South Asia if it uses Intellectual Property Rights for its research work. PHOTO: APP/FILE
ISLAMABAD:
Caretaker Law Minster Ahmer Bilal Soofi said on Tuesday that the Agriculture University Faisalabad could be the richest institute in South Asia if it uses Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) for its research work.
While addressing a meeting on the role of Performing Right Society under the Copyright Ordinance 1962 held at the ministry of law and justice, Soofi said, “The Government should provide a platform to create awareness among academia, industry and business community to protect their intellectual property rights.”
Representatives of Intellectual Property Organisation of Pakistan (IPO), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Pakistan Television (PTV), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatroy Authority (PEMRA) attended the meeting which was chaired by the law minister. The gathering discussed registration of the rights, their infringement and mechanism of enforcement and identified gaps which can be bridged by rule making under the Intellectual Property Organisation of Pakistan (IPO) Act, 2012.
During the course of the meeting, Soofi highlighted the effect of international agreements and treaties related to IPRs to which Pakistan is a party. He also informed the audience that 20% of the GDP of United States is generated from IPRs.
“Intellectuals can contribute meaningfully to the country’s economy and should take full advantage of the World Trade Organisation Agreement,” he added
He also explained the concept of the Performing Right Society, as enshrined in sections 3 and 31 in the Copyright Ordinance, 1962.
Likewise, the representatives of PTA briefed the meeting about a license granted by the body that stipulates that the licensee shall adhere to all laws of Pakistan and in case of violation the IPO will take action accordingly. However, they clarified that no provision in law relating to PTA requires them to enforce IPRs.
For PEMRA copyright enforcement is the top priority, said the representatives of the media regulatory body, adding that they strictly follow the rules. Also the regulatory body has a complaint mechanism for ensuring adherence to IPRs, they said.
The representative of Pakistan Television (PTV) highlighted the achievements of the national television channel in enforcing IPRs and assured that PTV strictly adheres to the implementation of these rights. He also identified that there is a dire need for having a complete database of registered material accessible to the public over internet.
The IPO representative explained the transformation of the organisation and amalgamation of the offices of registrar of copyrights, patents and trademarks. The role of IPO in advocacy, enforcement and adjudication of IPRs was also highlighted.
Caretaker Law Minster Ahmer Bilal Soofi said on Tuesday that the Agriculture University Faisalabad could be the richest institute in South Asia if it uses Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) for its research work.
While addressing a meeting on the role of Performing Right Society under the Copyright Ordinance 1962 held at the ministry of law and justice, Soofi said, “The Government should provide a platform to create awareness among academia, industry and business community to protect their intellectual property rights.”
Representatives of Intellectual Property Organisation of Pakistan (IPO), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Pakistan Television (PTV), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatroy Authority (PEMRA) attended the meeting which was chaired by the law minister. The gathering discussed registration of the rights, their infringement and mechanism of enforcement and identified gaps which can be bridged by rule making under the Intellectual Property Organisation of Pakistan (IPO) Act, 2012.
During the course of the meeting, Soofi highlighted the effect of international agreements and treaties related to IPRs to which Pakistan is a party. He also informed the audience that 20% of the GDP of United States is generated from IPRs.
“Intellectuals can contribute meaningfully to the country’s economy and should take full advantage of the World Trade Organisation Agreement,” he added
He also explained the concept of the Performing Right Society, as enshrined in sections 3 and 31 in the Copyright Ordinance, 1962.
Likewise, the representatives of PTA briefed the meeting about a license granted by the body that stipulates that the licensee shall adhere to all laws of Pakistan and in case of violation the IPO will take action accordingly. However, they clarified that no provision in law relating to PTA requires them to enforce IPRs.
For PEMRA copyright enforcement is the top priority, said the representatives of the media regulatory body, adding that they strictly follow the rules. Also the regulatory body has a complaint mechanism for ensuring adherence to IPRs, they said.
The representative of Pakistan Television (PTV) highlighted the achievements of the national television channel in enforcing IPRs and assured that PTV strictly adheres to the implementation of these rights. He also identified that there is a dire need for having a complete database of registered material accessible to the public over internet.
The IPO representative explained the transformation of the organisation and amalgamation of the offices of registrar of copyrights, patents and trademarks. The role of IPO in advocacy, enforcement and adjudication of IPRs was also highlighted.