ALI KABIR SHAH ALI & ASSOCIATES Challenges of the New Frontier: IPRs and the Internet
The Interconnected World Map of the internet The internet doubles in size every 5.3 years
Internet Is a Consumer’s Best Friend Allows consumers to be better informed Reviews of Avari Hotel on tripadvisor.com J from London: “In a volatile city like Karachi you need a safe haven and the Avari is certainly that.” M from Mumbai: “One of the oldest hotels, Avari has an old world charm.” O from Singapore: “Very comfortable and safe hotel in downtown Karachi.” Enhances accessibility Online shopping Several Pakistani e-stores are now operational Order online and products are delivered Payment by credit card or cash collected at time of delivery
Online Copyright Violation It all started with the Music Online piracy is a global problem However in Pakistan online piracy has become institutionalized Pakistan is perhaps the only country where many Internet Service Providers set up servers dedicated to illegal downloads
The Internet: A Counterfeiters Dream E-marketplace for Pakistani goods is largely unregulated No certification process for websites or products Domain name violation Two faced problem Unauthorized sale of original products Sale of counterfeit products The development of the electronic marketplace has resulted in an explosion in the sale of counterfeit products Products include:- Handbags Clothes Medicines Watches Food items
Local Crimes, Global Menace Interconnectivity results in criminals having global outreach Key cases:- Motion Picture Association Unregulated export of medicines – fake and genuine LVMH
Local Crimes, Global Menace Pakistani Diaspora becomes a specific target Two way traffic: import of counterfeit goods increases Internet postings allow criminals to seek out manufacturers in China Parallel importers benefit from online marketplace
Solutions Policy Initiatives Policy should not be reactionary but formative Enhance reach of the marketplace Regulate the marketplace Certification of websites selling products Education Consumers and business both need to be educated Enablers including courier companies, online marketplace operators need to be better informed Enforcement Strict action against small fish and big fish alike