Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan: Functions & Powers

Posted on Feb 2, 2025 in Sports Management

Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO)

The Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan is an autonomous institution of the Government of Pakistan, concerned with copyright, trademarks, patents, and other general types of intellectual property regulation. It was initially formed in 2005, but its role and powers were further updated in 2012 through an Act passed by the Parliament of Pakistan.

Functions and Powers of IPO Pakistan

The organization has all powers and functions as stated in section 11 of the Ordinance, including the following:

  1. Administer and coordinate all government systems for the protection of intellectual property rights under the laws specified in the Schedule and the rules and regulations made thereunder.
  2. Prescribe, regulate, or implement measures and standards on any matter related to or connected with intellectual property.
  3. Accredit or certify and regulate any person as an intellectual property agent.
  4. Appoint employees, consultants, and experts as deemed necessary on terms and conditions prescribed by the Federal Government.
  5. Levy reasonable charges or fees for services and facilities provided by the Organization and its constituent offices.
  6. Carry out other works or activities necessary to make the best use of the organization’s assets.
  7. Engage, with other authorities, international agencies, or organizations, in any study or cooperation project related to intellectual property.
  8. Enter into contracts for the supply of goods or materials or for the execution of works necessary for the discharge of its duties and functions.
  9. Supervise and coordinate the working of all intellectual property offices, including the Patent Office, Trade Marks Registry, and Copyright Office.
  10. Maintain a system to provide access to public documents and information relating to any intellectual property kept or maintained by the office.
  11. Advise the Government of Pakistan on policy relating to intellectual property rights.
  12. Plan for future development and up-gradation of the intellectual property infrastructure and capacity in Pakistan.
  13. Initiate research in the field of intellectual property.
  14. Advise the Federal Government regarding international negotiations in the area of intellectual property.
  15. Engage in human resource development of staff of all intellectual property offices.
  16. Promote awareness about intellectual property issues in the public and private sector.
  17. Liaise with counterpart and related technical organizations in other countries.
  18. Propose and initiate intellectual property rights legislation for the protection of intellectual property rights in Pakistan.
  19. Monitor the enforcement and protection of intellectual property rights and collect related data.
  20. Develop working manuals, references, materials, and procedures to assist in improving the protection of intellectual property rights.
  21. Coordinate the implementation of foreign-aided technical assistance projects on intellectual property.
  22. Perform any other function relating to intellectual property assigned by the Federal Government.