An increased level of co-operation between public and private sectors is necessary to ensure protection of intellectual property (IP) rights and purge counterfeit trade across the region, said an official of Brand Owners Protection Group (BPG).

At the annual general meeting, BPG chairman and regional intellectual property adviser for Nestle Middle East Omar Shteiwi outlined a number of responsibilities that brand owners from the private sector and key government institutions from the public sector must fulfil in order to strengthen anti-counterfeiting efforts within the GCC region.

Both the public and private sectors must launch collaborative initiatives to safeguard intellectual property rights, he noted.

He urged the public sector to ensure the protection of IP rights through stricter implementation of existing IP laws.

Shteiwi also called upon the authorities to facilitate communication channels with brand owners, sharing with them all available information and reporting the results of anti-counterfeiting initiatives to the companies concerned, thereby supporting a free exchange of information between the two sectors.

"Meanwhile, private companies are recommended to further reinforce co-ordination measures with fellow brand owners and intellectual property law firms, as well as to establish long-term relationships with law enforcement agencies which will be directly involved in implementation of IP protection laws."

Other points raised during the meeting included the need for intensified lobbying efforts, calling for tougher penalties imposed on violators as well as practical and simplified procedures and requirements for anti-counterfeiting cases.

Board members also proposed to broaden the BPG's public awareness activities through increased training workshops and participation in trade exhibitions.-TradeArabia News Service