Registrar Trademarks, Intellectual Property Organization Pakistan (IPOP) Aftab Muhammad Khan has informed that a sum of Rs 278.4 million revenue was generated from registration of trademarks during 2016-17 as compared to Rs 244.5 million of 2015-16, which indicates an increase of 13 percent.
"As compared to 33,617 applications received in 2015-16, a total of 35,972 trademarks applications were received in 2016-17, showing an increase of 7 percent whereas the trademarks examinations also improved to 41,993 in 2016-17 against 29,073 examinations carried out in 2015-16, indicating a rise of 41 percent", he added while delivering a presentation during his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI).
President KCCI Shamim Ahmed Firpo, Vice President Muhammad Younus Soomro, newly elected President KCCI Muffasar Atta Malik, Chairman WTO, IPR, FTA & Regional Trade Sub-Committee KCCI Tariq Ikram Khan, Former President KCCI Abdullah Zaki and KCCI managing committee members attended the presentation.
Aftab Muhammad Khan further said that keeping in view the significance of trademarks registration, many local and foreign companies have been approaching the Trademarks Registry to get their products and services registered.
He informed that 16,761 trademarks were accepted during 2016-17 as compared to 12,444 accepted trademarks of 2015-16, showing an increment of 26 percent. "In the year 2016-17, a total of 2,818 opposition cases were also decided against 1,937 cases of 2015-16, indicating an impressive upsurge of 48 percent", he added.
However, Registrar Trademarks mentioned that the Registry faces immense issues due to shortage of staff which was the basic reason for the delays being suffered by the applicants. "We are trying our best to facilitate the business and industrial community by registering their trademarks as quickly as we can within the limited resources but sometimes, it becomes difficult and delays occur due to shortage of staff", he said, adding that out of a total sanctioned 98 seats, 48 seats have been filled whereas 42 seats remain vacant at the Trademarks Registry.
Speaking on the occasion, President KCCI Shamim Ahmed Firpo appreciated Registrar Trademarks for thoroughly listening to problems being faced by KCCI members who intend to get their products and services registered from Trademarks Registry. In response to the assurances by Registrar Trademarks, President KCCI hoped that the Trademarks Registry would now give priority to the applications submitted by the members of Karachi Chamber.
He appreciated Aftab Ahmed Khan for initiating liaison between the Karachi Chamber and Trademarks Registry which would surely help in facilitating the business and industrial community of Karachi.
Shamim Firpo was of the opinion that there was time when people were less focused on branding and were price conscious only but not anymore as this trend has changed nowadays to a great extent and businesses have become more brand conscious which was a good omen as it encourages businesses to get their brands registered from the Trademarks Registry. "An efficient and equitable intellectual property system can help Pakistan realize intellectual property's potential as a catalyst for economic development and social and cultural well-being", he added.-PR