(Khalid Sibtain)
The Advisor to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment, Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood, held a consultative meeting at the Ministry of Commerce discuss matters relating to the intellectual property ecosystem of Pakistan. At the outset, he was informed that as a landmark achievement, Pakistan has joined the Madrid system of Trademark of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which allows the brand owners to protect their trademarks in over 100 countries through a single and cost-effective procedure. He was further informed that the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan signed the instrument of accession which paved the way to become the 108th country in the world to join the Madrid System. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations in Geneva deposited the instrument of accession with the WIPO. He was briefed that with this development, the trademark holders of Pakistan would be able to protect their trademarks in more than 100 countries, by filing a single application at WIPO. Similarly, the member countries of the Protocol would also be able to get protection of their Trademarks in Pakistan by using Madrid route. It would go a long way in ameliorating the business environment in Pakistan. It will also encourage foreign investment in the country. Mr. Dawood lauded the efforts of the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO) in this regard. He said that it is the policy of the government to help Pakistan’s brands to go global. “This is the best and the most sustainable way to increase exports.” He said. Mr. Dawood said that the Ministry of Commerce remains committed to supporting Pakistan’s brands and to strengthening of intellectual property ecosystem.
