ISLAMABAD, Dec 10: Pakistan is likely to be placed in the ‘Watch List’ by the United States in 2013, which is an up-gradation from the existing slot of being in the ‘Priority Watch List’.

“Due to the steps taken by Pakistan in the year 2012, it is expected that the country will have some relaxation from the US trade authorities,” said Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi, chairman Intellectual Property Organisation (IPO) Pakistan.

“The other side is very serious and if the Pakistan report worsens, the country could be placed under sanctions and trade restrictions through the UN agencies,” he informed.

Talking to media in his office, chairman IPO said that efforts have been made by Pakistan to comply with the complaints by US authorities regarding intellectual property rights.

“The USTR would be informed about these efforts in coming days which include the enactment of law related to intellectual property rights that would eventually help implement IP compliance in trade and industry across the country,” he said.

Apart from Pakistan, other countries in the priority watch list by the Office of United States Trade Representative (USTR) include Algeria, Argentina, Canada, Chile, China, India, Indonesia, Israel, Pakistan, Russia, Thailand, Ukraine and Venezuela.

The official said that being in the priority watch list is technically risky for the country, not only for trade and commerce but it adds to the image problem too which the country is already facing in the west.

“We have told the US authorities that they need to consider the size of Pakistan’s economy. The damage being done to US economy through breach of copyright laws in Pakistan is almost negligible,” the IPO officials said.

The USTR in its report said: “Pakistan remains on the Priority Watch List in 2012. There is widespread counterfeiting and piracy, particularly book and optical disc (CD) piracy, continue to present serious concerns for US industry.”

The USTR has also said that Pakistan should provide ex-officio authority to its enforcement officials, and should provide for deterrent-level penalties for criminal IPR infringement. Pakistan should also take the necessary steps to reform its copyright law.

However, Afridi acknowledged that some of the issues (solutions/decisions) were difficult to implement.

“The ordinary people of Pakistan can only buy pirated books – mainly the students as they are at reasonable prices,” he said, adding: “We have to devise a way out over such sectors – but for other items including edibles, the fake producers are not only causing damage to the economy but are also playing with the health of consumers.”

He said that a number of measures have been taken to help implement IP laws in country.

“Recently, a batch of 20 judges was imparted training abroad regarding IP laws and IP tribunals are expected to be established in country soon. Besides an IP cell is being established in the FBR while the FIA has already established a unit,” he informed.

The media was informed that IPO- Pakistan has launched a drive to streamline all the trademarks in country and all the businesses were being encouraged to get their trademark and logo registered.

During the year 2011-12, 7,039 trademarks were allotted by the IPO and the figure is expected to rise in coming years as different chambers and trade bodies have agreed to convince their members to have their trademarks registered with IPO.

“This will actually benefit the businesses and the consumers too – as we have so many people claiming to be the original Multani Halwa maker and all the brands and packing are same,” Afridi said adding: “After registration, the producer can claim his rights and the consumers will know what they were buying.”