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Friday March 29, 2024

Intellectual Property Day celebrated

By Aijaz Gul
April 25, 2018

Islamabad: Intellectual Property Organisation of Pakistan celebrated World IP Day (Intellectual Property Day) on Tuesday. The event began with the banner ‘Powering Change: Women in Innovation and Creativity.’ The programme started with a saying from Quaid-e-Azam addressing the menfolk "No nation can rise to the heights unless women are side by side with you."

Several speakers paid tributes to women working with men and suggested that more women should come forward, know their rights, and find out how to protect their rights. The list of dignitaries who enlightened the audiences with their valuable comments ranged from the esteemed federal ministers to director general Intellectual Property Organisation Pakistan to additional secretary Commerce.

Contributions of inspiring women were at display in entertainment, sports, literature, education, governance, democracy and aviation .The names ranged from Miss Fatima Jinnah, Raana Liaqat Ali to dozens of other luminaries. Women were described as torch-bearers of change. They were described as integral part of human progress. Their involvement and participation was conducive to innovation and creativity. The speakers spoke on women excelling in business enterprises and that they were part of every aspect of life and surrounding. Business women did face serious challenges in raising capital and exploring new markets but there should be a way forward for them.

Dr. Samina Qadri, VC of Fatima Jinnah Women University listed literacy, employment and public voice as essential factors for growth of women. She emphasised on gender equality which was important for prosperity. Female students did well in public colleges and universities while men did well in private institutions.

Dr. Samina Qadri pointed out that ironically parents end up selling their assets for boys to go to expensive institutions. While girls were contended with government colleges and universities that was food for thought for everyone. Women were hardworking because they knew there was no second chance for them.

Talking about creativity, IPO can protect your ideas and concept through Copyright (just with a modest fee of Rs2000). As the IPO saying goes "If you have the idea, you have to protect it" Laws of protecting intellectual property rights are there but women (and men) have to use them. Copyright law enables the right holders to take legal action against anyone encroaching on the rights of the copyright holder. Even criminal penalties may be imposed.

The members in show business are not fully aware of copyright. Protecting their intellectual rights in script, music composition, lyrics, film or any other form is essential. The unforgettable names in film music from Munawar Sultana , Noorjehan and Naseem Begum, Zubaida Khanum to Mala and Saleem Raza to Mehdi Hassan, have all been victims whose work has been pirated and used for commercial means by others. Their artistic contributions have been ripped off shamelessly by second-rate names. Before IPO, Civil and Criminal proceedings were not available under Copyright law or artists were not aware of it and many of them still lack this awareness. IP is now expanding its wings from being just a federal entity to becoming nationwide organisation by entering the provinces and closing the existing gap.

Federal Minister for Commerce and Industry Muhammad Pervazi Malik spoke on women intelligence and aesthetics. He said role of women was now more visible. With this change, scope and role of IPO cannot be undermined. This is must for expanding globalisation. The growing awareness for protecting intellectual property through Copyright should be the order of the day for artists, students and entrepreneurs.

This all can be wrapped up original contributors as well as copycats with the tag "A poor original is better than a rich imitation ".

— aijazzgul@gmail.com