COMSATS, in collaboration with the Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) Pakistan, organized a two-day training workshop on Intellectual Property Rights and Bilateral Agreements on 19-20 December 2023. The event, held at COMSATS Secretariat, brought together a diverse group of participants from around the world, featuring insightful sessions by national and international experts.

The Executive Director of COMSATS, Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria emphasized the role of robust Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection in fostering the growth of knowledge-intensive industries. Diversification of the economy beyond traditional sectors, he noted, contributes to greater resilience and sustainability. Clear and enforceable intellectual property laws were highlighted as catalysts for collaboration between academia, research institutions, and the private sector.

Ambassador Farukh Amil, Chairperson of IPO Pakistan, delivered an insightful talk, shedding light on the role of intellectual property in the modern era and the significance of IPR and agreements in addressing global challenges. Ms. Shazia Adnan, Director General of IPO Pakistan, underlined the challenges and highlighted the opportunities in the evolving landscape of intellectual property.

The two-day workshop featured a series of technical sessions, interactive Q&A sessions, and presentations by experts from around the globe. The keynote speakers, including the Secretary-General of the International Network for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (INSME) and the Executive Director of the South Center, provided profound intellectual discourse on the interconnectedness of Intellectual Property Rights and SMEs, and the relationship between IP, innovation, and economic growth. The diverse pool of trainees included participants from Syria, Kazakhstan, Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Iran, Palestine, Yemen, and Pakistan.

The workshop aimed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, equipping participants with practical insights into intellectual property management. The COMSATS-IPO Joint Training Workshop on Intellectual Property and Bilateral Agreements stands as a testament to the commitment of both organizations to fostering international collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the crucial domain of intellectual property.