IPR violations cost Pakistan Rs800 billion in lost revenue in 2023

KARACHI: Pakistan's economy suffered a staggering loss of Rs800 billion last year due to intellectual property rights (IPR) infringements, according to a survey by the Overseas Investors Chambers of Commerce & Industry (OICCI).

"Companies also reported a total loss of 20 percent of their turnover due to these (IPR) infringements," said M Abdul Aleem, secretary general of the OICCI at the launch ceremony of second edition of IPR Manual ‘Evolution of Intellectual Property Rights in Pakistan: OICCI Perspective (Edition 2)’ on Monday.

The survey highlights the urgent need for effective protection of IPR to attract and retain foreign direct investment (FDI), crucial for Pakistan's economic growth.

The OICCI manual aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of IPR laws in Pakistan for the facilitation of investors and innovators. The manual will benefit foreign and local investors understanding of the IPR regime in Pakistan, providing useful IPR related guidelines for law students and practitioners, regulators and people interested in fostering the culture of innovation and inventions.

Farukh Amil, chairman of the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPOP) said that Intellectual Property is directly linked to development in numerous ways and is a critical tool for empowerment.

He emphasised the necessity for grassroots awareness of the potential of IP, starting as early as at the school level. "The younger generation absolutely must be in step with global knowledge and standards."

Usman Javed Altaf, group director (Legal & Intellectual Property), Martin Dow said that these infringements also harm consumers, "who may be unknowingly purchasing counterfeit or substandard products, posing risks to their health and safety".

He noted that the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPOP) must engage with law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to bolster enforcement efforts. The OICCI members believe that while there is comprehensive IPR legislation in place, there is a need for a more robust enforcement of IPR, where IPOP could play a key role in ensuring that the LEAs ensure strict IPR enforcement.

Besides speedy court trials, harsh penalties are needed to create a deterrent amongst IPR violators. Moreover, it is recommended to improve the IPR capability of LEAs and judiciary and create an awareness in the society using the media effectively.

Aman Ghanchi, executive director Legal and Company Secretary Unilever Pakistan, said that effective use of media is crucial to raise mass awareness and protect both customer interests and government revenue streams.

Innovators and foreign investors give high priority to an effective IPR regime in Pakistan, which is critical for attracting FDI and promoting research and innovation in the economy.

The OICCI, in its interactions with ministries, government of cials, academia and media, has been actively promoting an IPR-friendly environment and has led the debate on the protection and strict enforcement of the IPR regime.

Its latest publication is an updated edition of similar last publication released in February 2019. OICCI has added two new chapters on Plant Breeders Rights and Geographical Indications in this 2023-2024 edition of the OICCI IPR Manual. The chamber has also updated chapters relating to Trademarks, Patents, Copyrights, Designs and Enforcement of IPR to respect latest developments in these critical areas