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Lack of copyright protection threatening Lao products
Some original Lao products are at risk of losing their unique value if intellectual property protection is not taken seriously.
Laos is not only rich in natural resources, it also has plenty of unique textile designs, traditional musical instruments and distinctive handicrafts. Knowledge of how to produce such items has been passed down from generation to generation, but is now at threat from commercial exploitation.
As copyright protection is not properly enforced, an increasing number of products unique to Laos are actually manufactured in neighbouring countries.
While neighbouring countries have recognised the importance of intellectual property rights and registered m any products with international agencies, Lao producers are still unaware of the issue and fail to register the copyright for their products .
This leads to the risk that some products unique to Laos might be copyright registered in other countries.
Secretary General of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Khanthavong Daravong said only a small proportion of products are copyright registered in Laos and the lack of awareness of intellectual property rights is alarming.
Mr Khanthavong said some products, such as coffee and the designs used in silk textiles, have been recommended as suitable for intellectual property right registration, but this has not been done.
“If we are not serious about this, we might lose some of our valuable original products to other countries,” he said. “This is an urgent and important issue and requires cooperation from both the government and private sector.”
The government is trying to increase awareness of intellectual property rights by working with international organisations to build human resources in the field and to strengthen enforcement of regulations such as the Intellectual Property Protection Law.
“Creating awareness is important, but Laos also needs to have capable human resources, adequate equipment and more detailed legislation to properly address the issue,” Mr Khanthavong said.
Ineffective copyright protection is not only a threat to Lao products, but is also a barrier to economic growth, especially in terms of international trade and investment.
“Some exporters may be already facing challenges because the products they export are not properly copyright registered,” Mr Khanthavong said.
According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, concerns raised by member countries regarding Laos' bid for membership of the World Trade Organisation mainly relate to intellectual property protection.
The effective and efficient protection of intellectual property rights such as trademarks, designs or geographical indications, would enhance international trade and investment in Laos.
vientiane times
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