| Danial Norjidi |
INNOVATION and creativity are key core values contributing to the existence of Intellectual Property (IP) and it is important to ensure IP rights protection for innovative and creative minds.
These were among the points made by Pengiran Jamra Weira bin Pengiran Haji Petra, Acting Permanent Secretary (Energy and Industry) at the Energy and Industry Department, while delivering a speech at the opening ceremony of the 55th Meeting of the Asean Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC) and Related Meetings at the International Convention Centre in Berakas yesterday.
In his speech, he said that the last few years, particularly in 2016 and 2017, have been very significant for Brunei Darussalam towards further strengthening its Intellectual Property system.
In 2016, Brunei Darussalam acceded to the Madrid Protocol for the International Registration of Marks, which entered into force in January 2017. Brunei Darussalam Intellectual Property Office (BruIPO) also signed a Statement of Intent with the Japan Patent Office in 2017 for a new patent examination cooperation initiative called the Patent Prosecution Highway Plus (PPH+) Programme and have since received two applications under this initiative.
He also noted that today, BruIPO together with other Asean IP Offices will sign a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) to enhance and strengthen cooperation towards promoting the development of the IP system of all parties.
He said that the last few years have been very productive and progressive for Brunei Darussalam and other Asean member states.
The acting permanent secretary went on to highlight the importance of encouraging the public and private sectors to enhance innovation in the nation in line with the Brunei Vision 2035. He also underlined the importance of stronger cooperation to promote innovation and the digital economy as key strategies to spur economic growth in line with the Asean Economic Community and the Asean Community Vision 2025.
He said the role of intellectual property is important, as innovation and creativity are among the key core values contributing to the existence of IP, and this must be protected. “We must protect the innovative and creative minds of our locals – not just in Brunei Darussalam, but also everywhere in the world.
“I am pleased to note that Brunei Darussalam has seen a steady growth in the creative industry and this is evident in the number of rising local IP applications,” he continued. “I believe that we can do more and we must do more to help our micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and the creative and innovative sector, in demystifying IP and creating a better understanding of its relevance in society.”
In light of the above, he commended the efforts made, both past and present, and on the positive outcomes as a result of the hard work and strong cooperation of the AWGIPC via its Action Plans since its conception in 1996, such as the launch of Asean Patentscope in 2017 – an AWGIPC initiative where Brunei Darussalam is the regional coordinator.
He also noted and acknowledged that this would not have been possible without Indonesia, who has extensively contributed to the technical requirements of this project, together with Singapore, in its role as chair of the Asean Patent Examination Cooperation (ASPEC) Task Force.
“In today’s world and today’s society, technology and innovation always go hand-in-hand, and it is pleasing to see that our regional IP laws, regulations and systems are also keeping up with this,” he said.
“Given the importance of intellectual property rights protection, there is a growing recognition of the importance of systematically informing the public on the role of IP in their daily life, as well as in achieving economic goals and developmental aspirations.
“In closing, I would like to urge and encourage all the Asean IP Offices and members of the AWGIPC to continue to keep up the pace and the good work – to continue to enhance and strengthen your IP infrastructure so that it may continue to encourage innovation and creativity – the heart of the mission of Intellectual Property,” he added.
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