AmCham panel discussion on ‘Counterfeits & Piracy’ on 26 May

Wednesday, 20 May 2015 00:33 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Sri Lanka will host a panel discussion titled ‘Counterfeits & Piracy – The Far-Reaching Consequences on Our Lives and the Economy!’ on Tuesday 26 May at Hilton Colombo Residences.

The objective of the program is to bring together key public sector officials and private sector representatives of industries affected by the rampant issue of IPR violations, in order to formulate a joint effort to address the challenges facing both sectors.

Representing the public sector will be GitanjaliRanawake – DG, National Intellectual Property Organisation and KumudiniGunasekera–ProjectScientist, Coordinating Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI). The private sector will be represented by industries such as pharma, automobile and IT and software.

There is a strong correlation between intellectual property rights protection and FDI and it has been further established that intellectual property rights protection is a strong determinant of inward investment. The theft of intellectual property from industries is a serious matter, as it stifles innovation, slows economic growth, and weakens the competitiveness of businesses.

Intellectual property theft has an adverse impact on innovation, commercialisation of new products and overall economic success. SMEs are particularly vulnerable because they are at a distinct disadvantage in securing IPR in foreign markets and confronting its theft.

Given this background, AmCham hopes to launch a series of IPR initiatives for the year 2015, commencing with this event. For participation at this event or the Chamber’s IPR activities, please contact the Secretariat on T: 2300116/7 or E:[email protected].