Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) conducted an Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) awareness session at Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST) for the graduating students. Usman Javed Altaf, Director, Legal and Intellectual Property Martin Dow Group and member OICCI Regulatory, Digital and EODB subcommittee conducted the session which was attended by the students, faculty members and Masood Ahmad, Program Manager, SZABIST.

Usman Javed Altaf introduced students with the OICCI, briefed them on the Intellectual Property and the importance of IPR for the businesses, society, and the country. He shared that giving exclusive rights to the creators to reap commercial benefits or reputation from their creation of mind helps cultivating a culture of innovation and invention in the society which ultimately benefits the country. He elaborated various types of intellectual property which includes Copyright, Patents, Trademarks, Industrial Design, Geographical Indications and Trade Secret etc. and highlighted the issues regarding the enforcement of intellectual property rights in Pakistan. The role of TRIPS agreement and Madrid Protocol was also discussed. Energetic participation of the students through questions and prompt response by the presenter made this session very engaging and interactive which helped keep the interest of participants alive.

Masood Ahmed, Program Manager MBA at SZABIST, while closing the session expressed his appreciation to the speaker and the OICCI for conducting an insightful session which will be helpful in promoting the awareness of IPRs among the next generation.