Good progress on Thai IP rights awareness seen

World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) director-general Francis Gurry talked to The Nation during his recent visit to the “Second Thailand International Creative Economic Forum” about the intellectual-property-rights situation in Thailand and Asean. Mr. Gurry noted that:

Thailand has had very dynamic plans for managing violations of intellectual-property rights and increasing awareness during the past few years. The country has moved in the right direction since the Creative Economy project was launched a few years ago. The creative-industry promotion plan has helped promote public interest, and the creative industry is expected to play a key role in the growth of national products and help promote a stronger economy for Thailand in the coming years.

As for IP awareness among Asean member states Mr. Gurry suggested that the region can protect IP rights and raise the awareness of Asean people, there should be a reminder across its member states about IP issues. It could set up a single agency that is responsible for IP-related matters in order to raise awareness and increase protection in the region after the market is merged into one. Single-market trading will not only facilitate normal trade growth, but could also lead to easier transportation of illegal goods.

The region should also improve laws to protect the rights of enterprises in order to promote intra-Asean trade and attract foreign investors.

Originally from ‘The Nation Multimedia’ – Thailand’s leading English-language newspaper

Original Article available here: http://goo.gl/pUADz

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