Intellectual property and software piracy linked to economic growth

The significance of intellectual property rights on software and the way that these lead to enhanced protection for economic growth, with the consequences of software piracy, were the main topics addressed at a seminar entitled "Intellectual Property: More Power to Economic Growth".

The seminar was organised by the Malta Communications Authority.

Microsoft Malta hosted Claude Micallef Grimaud, an official from MAMO TCV Advocates and the local representatives for Business Software Alliance, and Thomas Limouzin-Lamothe, from Microsoft's legal and corporate affairs unit as guest speaker.

They addressed the current major sources of piracy and the potential threats and the negative impact that piracy could have on the local economy and on society at large.

The Business Software Alliance, considered the world's foremost association in the software industry, explained how the software sector organises itself worldwide to combat piracy through education, enforcement and partnerships with governments and other copy right/trademark holders.

Godwin Warr, director general commerce and comptroller of industrial property, provided an interesting overview of the history of IP in Malta and the related treaties and conventions that Malta has endorsed to date. He also imparted some interesting statistics about IP registrations in Malta and the national challenges faced. Mr Warr stressed the importance of raising awareness among businesses, schools and youths and mentioned some initiatives the Commerce Department is undertaking in this area.

Jeanine Rizzo, associate at Fenech & Fenech Advocates, gave an overview of the different forms of intellectual property rights and the legal implications. Moreover, she also explained the manner in which some cases in breach of IPR had been adjudicated.

"The aim of this conference was also to educate and create awareness around intellectual property rights. Specifically, we discussed how intellectual property rights impact business to business including software developers and the IT industry," Celia Falzon, chief of external relations at the MCA, said. Ms Falzon chaired the seminar.

"To better understand how IPR and piracy affect the local context, it is important to have a look at what is happening in other countries. By taking a closer look at how other economies are engaging all available resources in order to take advantage from IPR, we will be better positioned to understand the financial impact on business owners, industry players and ultimately on Malta's economy," she continued.

The MCA said fora are proving to be very successful in getting stakeholders together and generating discussion on topics of varied interests. It hosts such events on a regular basis, one of which is the e-commerce forum held quarterly.

Presentations related to this seminar are available online at www.mca.org.mt