World Consumer Right`s Day Presentation
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Transcript World Consumer Right`s Day Presentation
World Consumer Right’s Day
5 TH A N N U A L N A T I O N A L C O N F E R E N C E
PUTTING THE CONSUMER FIRST
2 5 TH M A R C H 2 0 1 1
HELPLINE TRUST
Protecting Intellectual Property,
Safeguarding Consumers
ALI KABIR SHAH
ALI & ASSOCIATES
What is Intellectual Property?
Intellectual Property is an intangible quantity that covers
every aspect of the human knowledge and experience.
Intellectual Property is divided into three main areas:
Trademarks
Patents
Protection of Brands
Exclusive Rights over Inventions
Copyrights
Exclusive Rights over Artistic Works
IPR Violations Hurt Consumers
In Pakistan IPR violation is a major problem, often
overlooked owing to other issues
Counterfeit goods are prevalent, unregulated and
hazardous
Examples of Anti-Counterfeiting Actions
Examples of Anti-Counterfeiting Actions
Challenging Conventional Wisdom
Counterfeiters are small time crooks and not really
criminals - FALSE
Only some brands are targeted - FALSE
Counterfeit goods benefit consumers as they are
cheaper - FALSE
IPR Violation is Unjustifiable
Violation of Intellectual Property Rights harms consumers,
hurts traders and causes losses to the government
IPR infringement if supported by consumers and allowed
by authorities, even in the short run, can have a long term
detrimental impact
Unauthorized sale of movies and software, justified owing to low costs /
negative government regulations, has made it near impossible for genuine
traders operate. Businesses and consumers both suffer in the longer run
Government policies, seemingly unrelated to IPRs can still
lead to IPR violation and harm consumers
IPR Protection Is Not Always Noble
IP laws are inherently commercial in nature and can
be exploited
Extension of Copyright term – Mickey Mouse law
Unfair use of Patent law – ever-greening of patents,
extending monopolies and raising prices
This is a major global problem in the pharmaceutical sector,
and is invariably an issue in Pakistan as over 90% of the
patents filed in Pakistan pertain to pharmaceuticals
Recommendations
IPR laws need to be strictly enforced
Government, Businesses and Consumers all have to
play their part
Balance needs to be reached between public good
and private interests
Long Term Strategy needed
THANK YOU