Conference on harnessing intellectual property protection

A national conference themed ‘Harnessing intellectual property protection for investment promotion’ will be held at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre in Ta’ Qali on October 14, as part of the annual SME Week 2011 programme.

Organised by the Parliamentary Secretariat for Small Business and Land and the Malta Business Bureau, the event aims to instigate a debate on the policy links between intellectual property rights and the general improvement of the investment proposition package for Malta. The intent is to develop a national patent policy in tune with the needs of local business. The discussion will shed light on recent EU political developments that should lead to a common unified EU patent.

The line-up of speakers includes MBB president John Huber, European Patents Office chief economist Nikolaus Thumm, Commerce Departmemt director general Godwin Warr, Eurochambres senior advisor Vincent Tilman, and a senior policy expert from the European Commission’s DG Internal Market and Services.

Parliamentary Secretary Jason Azzopardi will close proceedings.

The conference begins at 8.30 a.m. and there will be a networking aperitif and stand-up lunch at 12.15 p.m. For information and registrations contact the Malta Business Bureau by October 12 on 2125 1271 or at info@mbb.org.mt.