World Intellectual Property Day was recognized in Port Moresby with this year’s theme as, “Movies-A global Passion”.
The day is recognized annually on the 26th of April, and was hosted by the Intellectual Property Office of Papua New Guinea, a division within the Investment Promotion Authority.
The objective is to raise awareness on how patents, copyrights, trademarks and industrial designs make an impact on everyday life.
Intellectual Property or ‘I.P’ is a general term that is used to describe the results of creative and innovative endeavours. It is described as 'intellectual' because it is the result of the application of the mind. Furthermore, described as 'property' because, just like any other property, it can be owned, sold and transferred, leased or given away.
The Intellectual Property Office, that controls the registration of patents, trademarks and designs in PNG, signified this year’s theme by hosting a movie at the Paradise Cinema, to drive their public campaign of IP and its benefits.
Ms Na’aru admitted that IPOPNG has made minimal public debates about Intellectual Property, throughout its 16 year existence, but the office still works within its capacity to drive its awareness campaign.
IP protection offers a number of benefits, including acting as a deterrent for would-be infringers. IP laws in PNG are similar to legislation in countries like Australia and New Zealand. Some legislation, such as the Trade Marks Act 1978, was adopted directly from Australia.
The three main pieces of legislation involving IP in PNG are:
1. Trade Marks Act 1978;
2. Patents and Industrial Designs Act 2000; and
3. Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act 2000.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=rajgZjx58gs%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
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