Nepal Falls Behind in Intellectual Property Protection

The stakeholders have stressed that Nepal is lacking far behind in the protection of the intellectual property. Addressing a programme on the occasion of World Intellectual Property Day 2013, Former Secretary and President of Intellectual l Property Preservation Society, Bharat Bahadur Shrestha said that only 40 patents have been registered in 76 years since the formation of Trademark law. 

Shrestha said, “Though the law has been formed, we including the private sector haven’t prioritised this aspect.” He insisted to promote the originality rather than duplication as the intellectual property helps in economic development of the country. 

Krishna Gyanwali, Secretary at Ministry of Industries pointed that awareness on intellectual property is necessary in order to discourage unhealthy competition. He said that the trademark law formed in 2022 BS is no more contemporary so it needs s to be reformed. Gyanwali said, “The draft is almost completed and we are preparing to make it public. He further said that the ministry is still discussing whether to make the integrate law for copyright, trademark and patent or to separate them. He said that the government is also doing homework on the management of royalty distribution. 

Bhaskar Raj Rajkarnikar, Vice President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) suggested for the establishment of independent intellectual property organisation. He said, “The copied national and international brands must be banned.” Karnikar assured that the private sector is always ready to help for the protection of these properties.