Abdulla Ahmed Qayed (right) addressing the seminar as Dr Khalid Klefeekh Al Hajri, Chase Untermeyer and Darren Pogoda look on. (Salim Matramkot)

DOHA • Qatar is all set to launch a massive awareness campaign on the protection of Patent and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).

Addressing a seminar on the 'Protection of IPR', here yesterday, Abdullah Ahmed Qayed, Head, Copy rights and related rights, ministry of Economy and Commerce, said the ministry has plans to open an exclusive office to check the flow of counterfeit products into Qatar market.

The office would be set up with the co-operation of Customs and Port General Authority. The ministry is also toying with the idea of including IPR in the school curriculum with the help of Supreme Education Council, he said

Interpol, Qayed said, has identified the production of counterfeit commodities as one of the biggest organised crime in the world. Qatar, as a country which has been witnessing a remarkable economic growth, is committed to protect the patent law and the IPR, he said.

Presenting his paper, Darren Pogoda, attorney adviser to the US Patent and Trademark Office, said the IPR theft is massive across the world. Quoting study reports released by International Trade Commission (ITC), he said that counterfeiting had incurred an estimated loss of $200bn in 1996. This is against the estimated bank robbery of $70bn during the corresponding year across the world.

“The impact of patent violation is not limited to the country's economy, it will have its bearing on its culture, heritage and public health,” he said.

"The US is delighted to note that Qatar, the country which witnesses the world's most booming economy, has taken serious steps towards protection of IPR. The initiative will certainly further strengthen Qatar's economy and its development prospects, especially in the science and technology and education fields,” said Chase Untermeyer, the US ambassador

The seminar was being jointly organised by the US embassy and Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI).