More awareness is needed for members of the public as well as businesses to improve their understanding of various rights and processes related to Intellectual Property.
This will be a key focus of the World Intellectual Property Day that will be celebrated on April 26 here in Suva at the Government Service Centre which used to house the former Fiji Visitors Bureau.
The Fiji Intellectual Property Office head Terence O’Neil-Joyce, at the lead up to this celebration, highlighted the need for Fijians to strengthen their understanding of intellectual property rights.
“Copyright, registered trademarks and designs; traditional knowledge, confidential information, plant breeders’ rights and patents are all forms of IP. The purpose of copyright is to protect your original works of art, writings, music, films broadcasts and even computer programs from unauthorised use by other people,” he said.
He pointed out that various logos used in Fiji including sporting merchandise needed protecting from copyright infringements. He said that the amendment of the Copyright Act in 2009 was aimed at ensuring that individuals and entities are protected with copyright.
Meanwhile various assistance and information related to Intellectual Property can be directed to the Ministry of Justice at Suvavou House.
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