AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad, May 28, 2013 (PPI-OT): A meeting on the role of Performing Rights Society under the Copyright Ordinance 1962 was held here at Ministry of Law and Justice. Federal Law Minister Ahmer Bilal Soofi chaired the meeting. Representatives of IPO, COMP, AMPPS, FIA, PTV, PTA and PEMRA were also present in the meeting.
The Federal Law Minister introducing the concept of Performing Rights Society (PRS) first elaborated the concept of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) and its necessity for economic development. He said that Agriculture University could be the richest university in the region if its uses IPRs by registering the patents etc., created after the research therein.
He also highlighted the effect of international agreements and treaties to which Pakistan is a party on the horizon of IPRs. He informed the audience that income from IPRs is about 20% of GDP of USA. He also explained the concept of Performing Rights Society enshrined in the section 3 and 31 in Copyright Ordinance, 1962.
The representatives of COMP and AMPPS briefed the audience about the necessity of Performing Rights Society. The Performing Rights Society act as a collective bargaining against for artists as it takeover all labour and burden from the artist and manage his royalty accordingly. They appreciated the work done and support given by FIA and IPO.
Likewise, the representatives of PTA briefed the meeting that a license granted under PTA stipulates that the licensee shall adhere to all laws of Pakistan and in case of violation the IPO will take action accordingly. They clarified that no provision in law relating to PTA requires them to enforce IPRs.
Moreover, the representative of PEMRA said that Copyright enforcement is their top priority and they follow the rules strictly. Further they have a complaint mechanism for ensuring adherence to IPRs.
Furthermore, the representative of PTV highlighted the achievements of PTV for enforcement of IPRs and ensured that PTV strictly adheres to the implementation of IPRs. He also identified that there is a dire need for having a complete database of registered material accessible to the public on website.
The representative of IPO explained the transformation of the organization and amalgamation of the offices of Registrar of Copyrights, Patents and Trade Marks. The role of IPO in advocacy, enforcement and adjudication of IPRs was also highlighted.
The meeting discussed in detail the pros and cons of Performing Rights Society and converge on the point that role of Performing Rights Society is extremely important and necessary for enforcement of IPR.
The meeting discussed the registration of the rights, their infringement, mechanism of enforcement and identified certain gaps which can be bridged by rule making under the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan Act, 2012.
The participants praised the work done by the concerned agencies for enforcement of IPRs and agreed that it is a new concept which requires further working and deliberation. The initiatives taken by the Minister for Law and Justice in this regard were also highly appreciated by the participants.
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