1 December
While enacting its market oriented economic system, Myanmar has carried out reforms to support the system.
As a copyright system can greatly support a country’s economy, it is important for our country to establish a copyright system similar to that found in other countries.
After more than 10 years of efforts, four intellectual property rights laws, for patents, industrial designs, trademarks, and copyrights, have come into force in Myanmar this year.
To compete with foreign products, local products should meet international standards. The responsible associations and experts should educate and raise awareness about the importance of copyright laws, which guarantee protection to local products.
The purpose of the Copyright Law in Myanmar is to promote the progress of useful arts and science by protecting the exclusive right of authors and inventors to benefit from their works of authorship. It includes the preservation and protection of all copyrights; the elevation and increase in investment and trade; the protection of the misuse of copyright; the establishment of free and fair market economic competition; the support and encouragement of innovation and creation; the elimination of fake and forged commodities for the safety and benefits of the public; the protection of locally produced items.
To improve the quality of goods in the market and to ensure keen competition in foreign trade, the government has been encouraging and supporting the creativity of products.
These IP Laws ultimately protect the interests of small, medium and large enterprises in Myanmar, including companies and economic enterprises. Moreover, the laws protect the copyright interests of companies based in foreign countries, as well as their trademarks.
The passing of bills, such as the copyright, trademarks, industrial design and patents, is part and parcel of the ongoing reform process in the country. The laws could safeguard, secure and shield businesses in the domain of SMEs, local companies, as well as foreign companies.
Myanmar is sure to be considered a viable economic environment for investment, and to freely engage and deal with as a reliable and trustworthy nation.
We are confident that the copyright system can ensure a balanced approach between inventors and consumers, while developing innovation.
GNLM
