NEWS, EVENTS AND CURRENT ACTIVITIES
Retirement of former Registrar of IPOPNG
Mr Gai Araga, the former Registrar of the IPOPNG retired from the public service on 1 July 2008. Mr Araga was in the public service for a total of 39 years, committing 25 years to building the intellectual property system in PNG.
The IPOPNG has realised significant developments under his leadership, particularly the setting up of the legal and administrative framework for IP and bringing the office to the current level. The Government of PNG recognised Mr Araga's contribution by granting him a Public Service Meritorious award during the new years Honours list in 2006. He has served the country with great commitment and distinction. Mr Araga's successor is Mr David Kil, who has worked alongside him as Deputy Registrar for the last 9 years. Mr Kil is expected to continue with the good work.
WIPO Technical Assistance in IP Automation
The WIPO, as part of its technical assistance to the Asia-Pacific countries, has been very significant support to IPOPNG in building its IP Automation system. In 2006, it established the Intellectual Property Automation System (IPAS) for the IPOPNG. The system allows for processing and registering of industrial property applications. The system was improved in November 2007 by a second WIPO mission.
In June 2008, the WIPO further provided a set of IT equipments to IPOPNG which includes a server, scanner, a desktop PC, two note books and their accessories. These equipment will be fully utilized to set up e-filing of applications, creation of website, increased capacity for receiving, storage and retrieval of data.
The IPOPNG is very grateful for this very significant technical assistance by the WIPO
Patent Information Centre
The IPOPNG is also working with WIPO to set up a Patent Information Centre. This facility, once established, will serve as a source of information on patents for local researchers and scientists to access and improve their R&D activities. This project is expected to be completed by the first part of 2009.
Establishment of Collective Management Organisations
IPOPNG is in the process of finalizing the draft Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Collective Management Organisations) Regulation.
IPOPNG is aware of the important role Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) will play in the effective management and enforcement of copyright and neighbouring rights works, thus has undertaken the task of drafting a regulation which will regulate and administer their activities. The draft is in the final stages and should be ready to be submitted to the NEC this year (2008).
Training of IPOPNG Officials by IP Australia
IP Australia has again come in a big way to support the IPOPNG in building its internal capacity by agreeing to train four (4) of its officials. Under this arrangement, three (3) trade mark examiners and one (1) legal officer will undergo intensive on the job training in IP Australia for durations ranging from 1-3 months (August to November 2008) this year (2008). The IPOPNG appreciate this assistance as it will go a long way in building skills and expertise of staff who are directly involved in administering the intellectual property system.
Depending on the discussions and resolutions by the leaders of the Pacific Island Countries, the training is also aimed at preparing the IPOPNG to take on additional responsibilities as the External Examining Body for Trade Mark Applications for the island countries. The IPOPNG has made a submission in June 2008 through the Forum Secretariat expressing its interest to undertake this role.
News, Events and Current Activities
