A number of private sector participants at a recent workshop highlighted the negative impact of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) violators on the growth and success of Guyanese businesses, noting in particular their discouraging effect on the local music industry.
They were among stakeholders participating in the IPR Enforcement Workshop hosted on February 24-25 by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy at the Hotel Tower, Main Street, Georgetown.
The workshop utilized a case-study approach to discuss current legal concerns and techniques in IPR enforcement, a U.S. Embassy press release stated yesterday.
Opportunity was also provided for participants to share their experiences and to discuss the need for coordination of IPR enforcement activities.
The example was given that it costs $1,000 per CD to produce an album for local artistes, but CDs with 15 of the most popular songs of international artistes are being sold without the permission of the artistes for $150. This discourages the growth of Guyana's own music industry, the release stated.
Participants also discussed the framework for international cooperation in support of IPR for World Trade Organisation (WTO) members, "trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights" or TRIPS.
In the workshop it was also stated that strong IPR laws and their enforcement are critical to encouraging Guyana's artistes, authors, inventors and entrepreneurs to develop their ideas in this country. Without IPR laws and enforcement, the workshop asserted, Guyana's creative minds and potential investors will choose to develop their products in other locations that provide them the opportunity to profit from their efforts.
Participating in the workshop were a number of senior government officials including representatives from the Ministry of Legal affairs, the High Court, the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Ministry of Foreign Trade & International Cooperation, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Ministry of Education, the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Guyana Forestry Commission. Private sector representatives from the Association of Regional Chambers of Commerce, attorneys-at-law, and the Guy-ana Press Association also took part in the workshop.
The workshop was declared open by Chief Justice Carl Singh who challenged the Attorney General's Chambers to complete work on pending IPR legislation, the release said.
And remarks by U.S. Ambassador Roland Bullen emphasised how IPR protection will help Guyana and the wider Caribbean remain competitive and benefit from their unique local products and creations as they enter an increasingly global economy.
Workshop facilitator was Peter N. Fowler, Senior Counsel for Enforcement from the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
For more information on IPR, the release added, visit: