World Consumer Right’s Day
5 TH A N N U A L N A T I O N A L C O N F E R E N C E
PUTTING THE CONSUMER FIRST
2 5 TH M A R C H 2 0 1 1
HELPLINE TRUST
Protecting Intellectual Property,
Safeguarding Consumers
ALI KABIR SHAH
ALI & ASSOCIATES
What is Intellectual Property?
 Intellectual Property is an intangible quantity that covers
every aspect of the human knowledge and experience.
 Intellectual Property is divided into three main areas:
Trademarks


Patents


Protection of Brands
Exclusive Rights over Inventions
Copyrights

Exclusive Rights over Artistic Works
IPR Violations Hurt Consumers
 In Pakistan IPR violation is a major problem, often
overlooked owing to other issues
 Counterfeit goods are prevalent, unregulated and
hazardous
Examples of Anti-Counterfeiting Actions
Examples of Anti-Counterfeiting Actions
Challenging Conventional Wisdom
 Counterfeiters are small time crooks and not really
criminals - FALSE
 Only some brands are targeted - FALSE
 Counterfeit goods benefit consumers as they are
cheaper - FALSE
IPR Violation is Unjustifiable
 Violation of Intellectual Property Rights harms consumers,
hurts traders and causes losses to the government
 IPR infringement if supported by consumers and allowed
by authorities, even in the short run, can have a long term
detrimental impact

Unauthorized sale of movies and software, justified owing to low costs /
negative government regulations, has made it near impossible for genuine
traders operate. Businesses and consumers both suffer in the longer run
 Government policies, seemingly unrelated to IPRs can still
lead to IPR violation and harm consumers
IPR Protection Is Not Always Noble
 IP laws are inherently commercial in nature and can
be exploited
 Extension of Copyright term – Mickey Mouse law
 Unfair use of Patent law – ever-greening of patents,
extending monopolies and raising prices

This is a major global problem in the pharmaceutical sector,
and is invariably an issue in Pakistan as over 90% of the
patents filed in Pakistan pertain to pharmaceuticals
Recommendations
 IPR laws need to be strictly enforced
 Government, Businesses and Consumers all have to
play their part
 Balance needs to be reached between public good
and private interests
 Long Term Strategy needed
THANK YOU