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Functions and Powers of Intellectual Property Organisation of Pakistan
Functions and Powers of Intellectual Property Organisation of Pakistan
Functions and Powers of Intellectual Property Organisation of Pakistan
This brief overview explains, in very general terms, the functions and powers of Intellectual Property
Organisation of Pakistan. These brief notes are for general guidance only and should not be taken as a
substitute for thorough and professional legal advice.
What is IPO Pakistan? And how does IPO Pakistan protect intellectual
property rights in Pakistan?
Before 2005, intellectual property situation in Pakistan was going through phases of a constant decline.
Internationally speaking Pakistan was perceived as a country with little or nor protection or
management of IP and there was severe criticism against Pakistan for export of pirated optical discs
throughout the world.
On 8th April, 2005 the Government of Pakistan took evasive action to redress these issues of the
international community by taking the following three pronged parallel decisions:
Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) was empowered to eliminate piracy through addition of Copyright
Ordinance, 1962 in the schedule of Federal Investigation Agency Act thus authorising the FIA to
investigate Copyright related offences in Pakistan; and
Activation of Pakistan Customs to cut off and restrain import and export of pirated goods including
optical discs to and from Pakistan
Under section 4 of the Ordinance, a policy board of the organisation is constituted. Under section 5 of
the Ordinance, the policy board is entrusted with the following functions and powers:
The organisation shall have all powers and functions as stated in section 11 of the Ordinance including
the following:
Administer and coordinate all government systems for the protection of intellectual property rights
under the laws specified in the Schedule and the rules and regulations made thereunder
Prescribe, regulate or implement measures and standards on any matter related to or connected with
intellectual property
Appoint such employees, consultants and experts as deemed necessary on terms and conditions
prescribed by the Federal Government
Levy such charges or fees as may be reasonable for services and facilities provided by the Organisation
and its constituent offices
Carry out such other works or activities as may appear to the Organisation to be necessary, with a view
to making the best use of the assets of the organisation
Engage, in conjunction with other authorities, international agencies or organisations, in any study or
cooperation project related to intellectual property
Enter into contracts for the supply of goods or materials or for the execution of works as may be
necessary for the discharge of any of its duties and functions
Supervise and coordinate the working of all intellectual property offices including the Patent Office,
Trade Marks Registry and Copyright Office
Maintain a system to provide access to public documents and information relating to any intellectual
property kept or maintained by the office
Plan for future development and up-gradation of the intellectual property infrastructure and capacity in
Pakistan
Advise the Federal Government regarding international negotiations in the area of intellectual property
Promote awareness about intellectual property issues in the public and private sector
Propose and initiate intellectual property rights legislation for the protection of intellectual property
rights in Pakistan
Monitor the enforcement and protection of intellectual property rights and collect related data
Develop working manuals, references, materials and procedures in order to assist in improving the
protection of intellectual property rights
Perform any other function relating to intellectual property assigned by the Federal Government