The Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO) Regional Office has set up a facilitation desk at its office to enable the businessmen to get trade mark certificate without hiring services of lawyers. Trained staff has been deputed at the desk that helps applicant complete documentation, and filling in the prescribed forms without any charges, said Director/In-charge Dr Rizwan Basharat. The applicants, however, will have to bring a pay order amounting to Rs 2000 on account of official fee, he added.

He said due to lack of proper information and awareness, the lawyers are charging huge amount for issuance of trade mark certificate that doesn't cost over Rs 2000 only. With a view to create awareness among the business community, the IPO has planned to use modern techniques through graphic using social media like Facebook, he said. "We are enhancing our outreach to educate the members of business community.

Though our new office has not been officially inaugurated, yet we are providing all facilities at full swing," he maintained.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019