IPO: an Organisation Dealing with Intellectual Property Rights

Hameedullah Jan Afridi, Chairman, Intellectual Property Organisation of Pakistan, (IPO- Pakistan), Islamabad, has given an interview to Jahangir’s World Times about the working of his department. He has worked in various capacities in different government departments. A highly qualified person, he was elected Senator and MNA from NA-46 Khyber Agency, and had been Federal Minister for Environment for three years before taking charge of Chairman, IPO-Pakistan in March 2011. In his present assignment, he has putting in his maximum efforts for making IPO-Pakistan a successful organisation. Within a short span of time he has taken major steps to achieve the targeted results.

Jahangir’s World Times: Give a brief description about your personal and professional background?

Hameedullah Jan Afridi: I was born on February 16, 1969, in Khyber Agency, got early education in Islamabad and did graduation from University of the Punjab, Lahore, and got masters’ degree in business administration. I had worked as Executive Officer in Oil Marketing Company for nine years in different areas of the country. I also served as social worker and remained with National Rural Support Programme (NRSP) for Social mobilisation, poverty alleviation through community participation in rural areas. I remained Senator and MNA from NA-46 Khyber Agency, FATA. I had been Federal Minister for Environment for three years and took charge as Chairman, Intellectual Property Organisation of Pakistan (IPO-Pakistan) in March 2011.

JWT: What are the objectives of IPO-Pakistan?

HJA: Intellectual Property Organisation of Pakistan (IPO-Pakistan) is a focal organisation of the Federal Government dealing with intellectual property rights i.e. patents, copyrights, trademarks, geographical indications, plant breeding rights, traditional knowledge and folklores. IPO-Pakistan grants protection to the intellectual rights of individuals and organisations.

JWT: What are the achievements of IPO-Pakistan?

HJA: I am a kind of workaholic person and always committed to fulfill the responsibilities that are assigned to me. When I was Federal Minister, I feel proud to mention that I had established Environment tribunals for speedy disposal of cases, and set a new world record of highest plantation in a day which is mentioned in the Guinness Book of World Record. Besides these, I worked on policy formulation and legislation for environment. I also formulated a green journalist forum for environment and introduced green journalist award annually. With the help and support of my team I also succeeded in inclusion of the environment curriculum in educational syllabus.

JWT: What are your organisation’s core responsibilities in Pakistan?

HJA: IPO-Pakistan’s core responsibilities are to provide protection to Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) of individuals and organisations by granting registration to their IP assets. IPO-Pakistan is also required to have strong liaison with the law- enforcement agencies to combat the piracy and counterfeiting elements. Public Awareness on IPRs is another core objective of IPO.

JWT: Why implementation of IPR is more challenging in Pakistan?

HJA: In my opinion I have analyzed within my short span of time in IPO, the basic problem is lack of awareness about the scope and importance of IPRs in general public and also in the business organisations. The right holder of IP in Pakistan is unaware about his rights and that’s the reason complaints for piracy and counterfeiting are not recorded with the concerned authorities, thereby creating a congenial environment for infringers of IPRs.

JWT: What are your organisation’s future plans?

HJA: IPO is now moving fast to achieve its objectives. We have started awareness programmes in universities, chambers of commerce, bar associations and small and medium enterprises in order to educate them in using IPRs. We are also planning to establish IP tribunals by using model of environment tribunals. We have also started work on complete automation of service delivery and internal management system to strengthen the organisational capacity by making modern and latest working environment. In future, IPO will start operations in other cities like Peshawar and Quetta.

JWT: Do you find any problems in your core responsibility?

HJA: The IP is an emerging field and same is the case with IPO-Pakistan. Young officers are sent abroad on technical trainings and gradually a technically sound workforce in the field of IP with the capacity of long career is being created. IPO has integrated management system, which is considered as best model and many of the countries have yet to accede to this model. I am hopeful that young officers are growing fast and will strengthen the IP expertise of the organisation.

JWT: What is the scope of foreign and local investment in Pakistan?

HJA: Well if I talk in terms of IP, then I am quite hopeful that if we strengthen the IP management system i.e. protection, enforcement, and awareness of IPRs, it would definitely increase the foreign and local investment. The major factor is that investors must feel secure before taking decision to invest. IP system in the country is the main pulling factor in deciding to invest or not in any country. Talking specifically in terms of IP, I am sure that future investment chances can be made brighter in Pakistan.

JWT: What are possible solutions of energy crisis in Pakistan?

HJA: We have proven saving potential of up to 30 per cent of the existing energy consumption by energy conservation and efficiency enhancement in all sectors of the economy. In terms of electric power alone we are talking of 3,000 to 4,000 megawatt and saving at a fraction of generation cost.

JWT: Are you satisfied with the performance of IPO-Pakistan
HJA: Within a short span of time we have initiated major steps to achieve the targeted results. Pakistan has been placed in ‘Priority Watch List’ by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). It is a challenge to combat this situation and we are determined that by the grace of Almighty Allah we would succeed in our mission soon.

JWT: What kind of assistance required for improving the working of IPO-Pakistan?

HJA: We are lacking in dissemination of the message of IPO among the masses and the concerned persons. It could only be possible when both print and electronic media extend its wholehearted support and cooperation. We have established media department in the IPO.

JWT: Any other comments?

HJA: I would say that Pakistan is our country and it’s my appeal to all to please unite and work for the betterment of the country to justify ourselves being Pakistani nationals.