The promotion and protection of intellectual property (IP), in particular copyright, have become more critical than ever, especially with the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), Attorney General Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Mohammed Taib said.
She said this during the opening ceremony of the 73rd ASEAN Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC) yesterday.
She added, “Through cooperation and harmonisation efforts under the AWGIPC, I am confident these new and upcoming challenges can be overcome.”
The AWGIPC, hosted by the Brunei Intellectual Property Office (BruIPO), continuing until Thursday, brings together representatives of the IP Offices from ASEAN member states and representatives from IP offices of dialogue partners to deliberate on the advancement of IP systems.
The attorney general also highlighted the Sultanate’s recent developments in strengthening the country’s intellectual property framework, aligning with the broader commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and to realise Brunei Vision 2035.
Other than amendments to the Trade Marks Act, she said, “BruIPO’s move to the Attorney General’s Chambers has further strengthened our efforts and initiatives to enhance the promotion and protection of intellectual property.”
She added, “The Attorney General’s Chambers, through the BruIPO, is currently working towards developing regulations for collective management organisations (CMOs) to ensure their practices align with international standards and also support the development of the creative industries.”
The attorney general also acknowledged the establishment of the Sultanate’s first Technology and Innovation Support Centre (TISC) at Universiti Brunei Darussalam.
“The centre provides essential support for research, innovation and access to high-quality technology information services, all of which are critical to achieving the country’s SDG targets, particularly in fostering innovation and infrastructure development,” she said.
On the ASEAN IP Rights Action Plan, she said that the plan “has guided us as we work to harmonise IP practices across ASEAN member states, fostering collective resilience and positioning ASEAN as a dynamic region for innovation and creativity”.
The meeting provides a platform to discuss important issues, including finalising the scoping study to identify priority areas, which will be presented by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) representatives and experts. The meeting will also review the progress of the ASEAN IP Rights Action Plan 2016-2025, including the ASEAN IPR Helpdesk and the proposed GRTKCE project. Additionally, discussions will focus on developing the Post-2025 ASEAN IP Rights Action Plan.
Consultations with key partners, including the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Korean Intellectual Property Office, China National Intellectual Property Administration, Japan Patent Office and WIPO, will cover cooperation projects, updates on IP work plans, and future collaborations to strengthen IP systems in ASEAN.
Director General of the Laos IP Office Xaysomphet Norasingh, who is also AWGIPC Chair and Solicitor General Hajah Zuraini binti Haji Sharbawi were present. – James Kon
