Magistrates to be stringent on enforcing IPR laws

COLOMBO: A colloquium for Magistrates on ‘Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights’ organised by the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) and the National Intellectual Property Office of Sri Lanka held on February 10 was successfully concluded with a collective accord by the Magistrates to be stringent on enforcing IPR laws in Sri Lanka.

The colloquium was organised under the patronage of Judicial Services Commission of Sri Lanka.

Under the auspices of the Director General of NIP Office, Dr. D. M. Karunaratne, the forum was addressed by eminent judicial personalities such as Justice Raja Fernando who spoke on criminal sanctions against the infringement of IP rights in Sri Lanka.

Ms. Amice Van Der Burg Dissanayake, License Compliance Manager, Microsoft representing the software sector underlined that a low software piracy rate encourages the growth of the indigenous software industry, stimulates foreign investment, increases revenues to the local and national economy and assists in the creation of jobs.

The presentation done by Security Manager Ajith Perera, Ceylon Tobacco Company was a surprise to the forum highlighting the annual average loss of revenue, a staggering 90 million rupees per every single 40 container of counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes.

“IP theft, which is increasingly becoming a problem in Sri Lanka is crippling to our economy. The problem is no longer confined to fake luxury items but now includes fake medicine, software, garments and spare parts etc., many of which are destined for a developing economy as well as living condition of human beings. Dr. D. M. Karunaratne, Director General of National Intellectual Property Office said.