By Staff Writer

AMMAN – Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Legal (TAGLegal), a member of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), held a training workshop entitled “Activating the Role of the Watchdog Government Agencies in the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs)” at Talal Abu-Ghazaleh University.

The workshop was attended by HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, TAG-Org chairman, representatives of the Customs, Criminal Investigation Departments and Anti-Smuggling Directorate in addition to a host of officials, employees and media people.

In his keynote address at the beginning of the workshop, Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh stated that in Jordan where the rule of law prevails, as HM King Abdullah II always stresses, Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) managed to compete globally to become the biggest IP firm worldwide. 

“Through the protection of IP rights holders, we can create the appropriate environment that enables us to attract foreign investments supported by the international trust that we are in a country that protects innovators rights,” Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh said.

He stated that IP is a tool to develop national economy through attracting international technologies which will then lead to building local technologies that will positively affect the economy.

Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh highlighted the significance of agreements which TAG-Org signed with public entities including the Customs Department and the Ministry of Finance to protect IPRs. 

Meanwhile, Director General Assistant of the Customs Department Major Thamer Al Shorman noted that holding the workshop crystallizes the partnership with the private sector represented by TAG-Org to protect IPRs from any violations which are harmfully reflected on the national economy. 

“The Customs Department gave much attention to the protection of IPRs through the enforcement of legislation and regulations that ban the entry of any counterfeited products,” he said adding that the Department joined international organizations such as the World intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) among others while most of the IP legislations in Jordan are consistent with the international conventions. 

He also highlighted the efforts conducted by the Department to build the capacities of its staff by holding specialized training workshops and conferences.

Major Raed Al Ouran from the Criminal Investigation Department said in his speech that AGIP is considered a strategic partner in the protection of IPRs in the Kingdom. He referred to the special division established in 2008 to protect IPRs of any sort of violation. 

Following the opening session, training and presentations were delivered underlining mechanisms to differentiate between original and counterfeit products of a number of well-known trademarks.