Intellectual Property Laws

1. Copyrights

   • Law: Copyright Ordinance, 1962 (amended in 2000)
   • Protection: Literary, artistic, musical, and dramatic works, software, films, and broadcasts.
   • Duration: Lifetime of the author + 50 years after their death.
   • Registration: Not mandatory but recommended for enforcement.

2. Trademarks

   • Law: Trademarks Ordinance, 2001
   • Protection: Business names, logos, symbols, words, and other identifiers.
   • Duration: 10 years (renewable indefinitely).
   • Registration: Required for legal enforcement.

3. Patents

   • Law: Patents Ordinance, 2000
   • Protection: New inventions, industrial processes, and products.
   • Duration: 20 years from the filing date.
   • Registration: Mandatory for enforcement.

4. Industrial Designs

   • Law: Registered Designs Ordinance, 2000
   • Protection: The visual design, shape, pattern, or ornamentation of an object.
   • Duration: 10 years (extendable up to 25 years).
   • Registration: Required for legal protection.

5. Geographical Indications (GIs)

   • Law: Geographical Indications (Registration and Protection) Act, 2020
   • Protection: Products that originate from a specific region and have unique qualities (e.g., Basmati rice).
   • Duration: Indefinite, as long as the geographical connection remains valid.
   • Registration: Mandatory for enforcement.

Enforcement and Legal Actions

• IPO-Pakistan oversees registration and protection of IP rights.
• IP tribunals handle disputes related to intellectual property violations.
• Penalties & Fines apply for IP infringements, including imprisonment and financial compensation.

International Agreements

Pakistan is a signatory to several international IP treaties, including:

• World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
• Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property
• Berne Convention for Copyright
• TRIPS Agreement (under WTO)