Pakistan is losing an estimated Rs 860 billion every year in revenue and taxes because of intellectual property violations, according to a new survey released by the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The findings have raised concerns among businesses and investors regarding the country’s intellectual property protection framework and the slow pace of legal enforcement against violations across different sectors.
The Intellectual Property Rights survey, conducted across eight sectors, was launched during the visit of IPO Pakistan Director General Nauman Aslam to OICCI. According to the survey findings, six out of 10 participating member companies believe intellectual property rights in Pakistan are only partially protected under existing laws and require further improvement. Trademark violations were identified as the most common form of infringement faced by businesses operating in the country. Companies participating in the survey also pointed to lengthy legal procedures, stating that most intellectual property disputes take more than three years to resolve and rarely reach conclusion during the early stages of proceedings.
Businesses also expressed concerns regarding limited support from enforcement agencies including Customs, Police and FIA. The survey highlighted gaps in coordination among institutions responsible for handling intellectual property related complaints and enforcement measures. Participants recommended reforms aligned with international standards established under the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights and the World Intellectual Property Organization framework. The recommendations also included stronger coordination between government departments, creation of intellectual property watch lists at border crossings and intelligence based action in sectors considered vulnerable to counterfeit products and trademark misuse.
IPO Pakistan Director General Nauman Aslam said strong intellectual property protection has become an economic requirement rather than only a legal issue. He noted that the findings underline the need for better institutions, improved enforcement coordination and more effective service delivery across the intellectual property ecosystem. OICCI Secretary General M Abdul Aleem stated that foreign investors prefer operating in markets where brands, innovations and products receive legal protection and where disputes are resolved within a reasonable timeframe. He added that the scale of financial losses highlighted in the survey requires serious attention from policymakers and enforcement agencies.
OICCI said the survey should serve as a practical reference point for future policy reforms aimed at improving Pakistan’s business environment and supporting innovation driven industries. Business groups believe stronger intellectual property protection could help attract foreign investment, encourage research and development activity and improve confidence among international companies operating in Pakistan.
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