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Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea Attorneys in related practice areas.
The intellectual property (IP) laws in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, are designed to protect creations of the mind such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, and images used in commerce. These laws fall broadly into categories including trademarks, copyright, patents, and designs. Intellectual Property is governed nationally under the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), which is also responsible for the registration of companies, business names and associations.
Given the complexity and specificity of IP laws, having an experienced lawyer is crucial when dealing with IP matters. You may need a lawyer if you are applying for a patent, trademark, or copyright, if you need to protect your IP from infringement, or if you are accused of infringing someone else's IP rights. An IP lawyer can also provide advice on the commercialization of your IP, including licensing and sale agreements, and can help you in IP disputes and litigation.
The key legislation about IP in Papua New Guinea is the Copyright and Neighboring Rights Act 2000, the Trademarks Act 2003, and the Patent and Industrial Designs Act 2000. These acts provide the legal framework for IP rights protection and enforcement. The Copyright Act, for example, grants exclusive rights to authors of original works, whilst the Trademark and Patent Acts protect brand identifiers and new inventions, respectively. The Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) of Papua New Guinea administers these laws.
You may apply for a trademark registration at the Intellectual Property Office of Papua New Guinea housed under the IPA. An experienced IP lawyer can facilitate this process, which includes a search to ensure your proposed mark is unique, preparing and filing an application, and responding to any requests from the IPA.
A patent would protect an invention which is a new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter. The patent grants the inventor exclusive rights over his/her invention for a period usually of 20 years.
As per the Copyright and Neighboring Rights Act 2000, copyright protection generally lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 50 years after his/her death.
Yes, IP rights holders can grant licenses to others to use their IP under agreed terms and conditions, often in return for a licensing fee or royalties.
While Papua New Guinea is part of some international IP treaties, IP rights are territorial, which means rights granted in a particular country do not typically extend beyond its borders. However, those treaties can simplify the process of obtaining IP protection in multiple countries.
The Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) (www.ipa.gov.pg) is the foremost IP management institution in Papua New Guinea. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) (www.wipo.int/portal/index.html.en) also provides resources and databases for international IP registration and protection.
If you need legal assistance in Intellectual Property, the first step is to consult an experienced IP lawyer who is familiar with Papua New Guinea law. The lawyer can guide you through the process of protecting your IP, defending against infringement claims, or using your IP in commercial agreements. Make sure you prepare all necessary documents and information ahead of your consultation to get the most out of it.
