RP to host ASEAN antipiracy summit

RP to host ASEAN antipiracy summit

THE PHILIPPINES: The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN) is mulling a regional system to strengthen the
protection of intellectual property rights (IPR), the Philippines
said on Wednesday.

ASEAN IPR experts and trade officials are to meet in Manila in
August to discuss the plan, said Edu Manzano, chairman of the
Philippines' Optical Media Board, which is spearheading the
effort.

ASEAN consists of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia,
Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

"Abuse of intellectual property rights restrains trade and
adversely affects the international transfer of technology,"
Manzano said.

"ASEAN countries are now aiming to strengthen their
cooperation in the field of IPR through an open and outward-
looking attitude with a view to contributing to the promotion and
growth of regional and global trade liberalization." -- AFP