Sri Lanka moves to digitalise Intellectual Property Office with WIPO support

Thursday, 13 February 2025 05:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa

The Cabinet of Ministers gave the green light on Sunday to digitalise the National Intellectual Property Office (NIPO), which will be implemented with technical and financial assistance from the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).

The project, aimed at enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility, will introduce a suite of digital services, including online registration, electronic filing and record-keeping, the digitisation of documentary records, and the creation of online communication platforms.

These measures are expected to streamline the NIPO’s operations, offering faster and more reliable intellectual property services to businesses and individuals.

“The WIPO has agreed to provide a grant of Rs. 70.2 million to support the initiative, underscoring its commitment to strengthening intellectual property infrastructure in developing economies,” Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing on Tuesday.

He said once implemented, the digital transformation of the NIPO is expected to improve service delivery for patents, trademarks, copyrights, and industrial designs, aligning Sri Lanka’s intellectual property framework with global best practices.

“This is a crucial step in fostering innovation and protecting the rights of creators and businesses in an increasingly digital economy,” Dr. Jayatissa added.

The proposal was put forward by the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development and subsequently approved by the Cabinet.

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