Cooperation in Intellectual Property: Pakistan, the Philippines begin discussions

Pakistan and the Philippines have opened talks on closer cooperation in intellectual property after senior officials met in Manila, Business Recorder reported. IPO-Pakistan Director General Nauman Aslam met his Philippine counterpart, Atty Teodoro C Pascua, with Pakistan’s delegation led by Ambassador Asma Rabbani.

The officials discussed a possible memorandum of understanding under the Joint Economic Commission framework and cooperation on IP laws, registration, examinations and enforcement. Other areas included technology transfer, university innovation, commercialization and protection of products linked to geographical indications, alongside reciprocal visits. The discussions also covered improving quality assurance, branding and marketing for such products.

Both sides described intellectual property as relevant to innovation, enterprise development and trade, and expressed interest in closer institutional and economic ties. The talks remain at the discussion stage, with a formal cooperation framework identified as a possible next step.