Time to devise mechanism for protection of origin linked products

Islamabad

To devise specific rights’ protection measures for origin linked products in country including Basmati Rice, Sialkot footballs, Sindhi Ajrak, Multan Mango and many others, Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) Pakistan has drafted a standalone Graphical Indication protection law to devise an effective mechanism to avert issues relating to ownership and quality of product.

According to details, Draft Geographical Indication Bill 2016 will provide protection to the products originating from a specific area, whose quality or reputation is attributable to its place of origin like Basmati Rice, Sialkot footballs, Sindhi Ajrak, Multan Mango and many other products, revealed in a consultative session held by IPO in collaboration with PREIA, USAID.

The session was headed by Asad Hayaud Din, Additional Secretary Ministry of Commerce, while representatives from TDAP, REAP, SMEDA, PIPRA were also present on this occasion. The draft of GI Protection Bill was presented to the stakeholders including representatives from Chambers, trade associations, public organisation, Attorney firms and private sector.

Currently Geographical Indications are being protected under collective mark system of Trademark Ordinance, 2001. However, there are certain limitations regarding the right of application, control mechanism and other matters. IPO Pakistan has drafted a standalone GI protection law to devise an effective mechanism for the protection of origin linked products in the country.

The panelists hailed the long overdue legislation for the protection of indigenous products of Pakistan which have recognition in the national and international markets. It was highlighted that the absence of GI law is posing many issues to the traders regarding the ownership of Basmati Rice and other origin linked products in the global markets. The panelists proposed to constitute a committee of stakeholders to formally review the Draft GI protection Bill. The panelists also highlighted that the GIs should be registered in the name of government bodies, as the associations do not represent the interests of all stakeholders and may lead to subsequent litigations.