April 28: Bhutan celebrated World Intellectual Property Day On Saturday.
The function held at the clock tower in Thimphu included cultural performances. It was organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Motion Pictures Association.
Paying tribute to the artists in the country and their noteworthy contributions, the Minister of Economic Affairs Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk on World Intellectual Property Day assured full support to them and to provide protection to right owners.
The secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Dasho Sonam Tshering said to promote Intellectual Property (IP), the Ministry has initiated the adoption of laws and set up registries for grant of IP rights and titles. He said intellectual property is now an integral part of our development strategy encompassing all areas especially business and industry where intellectual property hold huge latent promise for gain.
“To take an example of trademarks, without much effort, the IPD has now received 8216 applications for registration of trademarks of which 3390 marks have been registered. Of this figure only 71 trademarks are local Bhutanese trademarks, the rest are foreign trademarks being protected in Bhutan. Hence this type of IP still remains virtually untapped by our business to build up their competitive position in the market,” said Dasho Sonam Tshering.
A website developed by the Ministry, www.ipbhutan.gov.bt was also launched. Users can find information including practical advice, laws and rules, downloadable forms and excerpts from official datatbases maintained by the Intellectual Property Division of the Ministry.
The function also saw two Bhutanese authors, Kunzang Thinley and Kunzang Choden Roder recieving certificates of recognition from the Minister of Economic Affairs.
Present at the celebration were Cabinet Ministers, senior government officials, representatives of the international community including the WIPO.
The evening’s program continued with cultural performances by students and artists.
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