"IPO has finalised GI laws and they are landed in the Ministry of Law and Justice for vetting after which the draft law will be submitted first to the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases (CCLC) and then to Federal Cabinet and Parliament," he added. Replying to a question regarding the concerns of Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) for not holding IPO Board's meeting, he said the federal cabinet had approved the new Board of IPO-Pakistan which would be notified soon.
"The OICCI is a very important association and comprises top investors. As the new Board is notified, I will convene its meeting to sort out issues," he added. The OICCI has planned to organise an investment conference titled 'Pakistan Rising' on June 21, 2019 in London. Answering to another question, he said one of the names of one of the Board members had been withdrawn with the approval of federal cabinet due to conflict of interest.
Mujeeb Ahmed Khan further stated that IPO was expected to receive 40,000 applications for trademark, adding the organisation did not have sufficient manpower and financial resources but was doing whatever it could do with available resources. IPO-Pakistan will hold an awareness walk on April 20 and a seminar on April 24, as part of World Intellectual Property Day 2019 celebrations.
"This year's theme as selected by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) is 'Reach for Gold - IP and Sports' with the purpose to acknowledge contribution of sports personalities and manufacturers of sports goods in developing strong linkages between nations of the world as well as in supporting economic development of countries. IPO-Pakistan has therefore planned two events to mark the day in befitting manner," he said. Khan further informed the media that an awareness walk would be held in Islamabad on April 20, which was expected to be attended by sports and media personalities, chambers and sports related associations, university students, families and people from different walks of life.
In addition to the awareness walk, IPO-Pakistan will also hold a seminar on April 24. The purpose of the seminar is to acknowledge contributions of the individuals and institutions in the field of Intellectual Property and Sports.
The chairman IPO-Pakistan apprised the media that World IP Day was celebrated each year with the aim to inform public about the role and importance of the intellectual property rights in encouraging innovation and creativity worldwide. He added that "the seminar will provide an opportunity to celebrate our sporting heroes and all those who are innovating behind the scenes to boost sports' performance and its global aura."
