Intellectual property law to enable WTO membership

National Assembly members on 10 December debated a new law on intellectual property as part of the country's preparations to accede to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Minister and Head of the Science, Technology and Environment Agency Prof Dr Bountiem Phissamay said the new law aimed to promote trade and investment and the development of technology in Laos.

“The WTO guidelines include the protection of intellectual property to promote ideas and inventions,” he said.

“This new law aims to protect the ideas and inventions of Lao people and promote the country's capacity to compete with other countries in this area. It's important that we develop our own ideas, because simply copying will mean we never get the best of anything.”

“Copying will never promote quality or expertise in any country,” he said, adding that even though some original products would be more expensive than those that are copied, the quality would be higher.

He said he believed that new laws to protect intellectual property in Laos would facilitate the growth of the national economy in the era of globalisation.

The law on intellectual property w ill consist of 11 parts and 135 articles, which will be determined by principles that are in line with the Party's policy, international conventions and the reality of the country's current situation.

Laos has cooperated with international organisations regarding intellectual property since 1995 and has become a member of several international conventions on this issue.

The country has also exchanged ideas and experiences with other members of Asean in relation to intellectual property in the lead-up to introducing new laws on the subject, to boost trade and investment in Laos.

Around 15,000 trademarks are now registered in Laos, reflecting the country's intention to protect the rights of producers and give quality products to customers.

NA President Thongsing Thammavong gave suggestions to members to ensure the debate stayed in focus and on the right track.

He advised members to examine the structure of the law to determine whether it adheres to the principles of the WTO and international conventions.

He also requested that members debate more in relation to the law's content and the use of language to ensure it can be easily understood. (Sources Vientiane times)