The government, in collaboration with the private sector, will be embarking on an initiative to turn Malta into an Intellectual Property Hub, Economy Minister Chris Cardona said yesterday.

In light of the fact that intellectual property (IP) and knowledge industries are fast becoming the movers of the European and global economy, Dr Cardona said that a solid legislative framework must be put in place to ensure that industry players attracted to our shores are offered the highest levels of protection for their IP.

We must ensure that our island is truly attractive

“Now is the time to review Malta’s legal, judicial and administrative framework to ensure that our island is truly attractive to the development of intellectual property,” he said.

Legal, fiscal and other studies will be carried out, leading to reform proposals and eventually legislation. Under current legislation, a separate legislative instrument regulates each different form of IP rights.

“It would make greater sense to consolidate the various IP laws into a code, providing the knowledge sector with a solid, yet pragmatic legal framework,” Dr Cardona said.

The code would create a unified electronic register for all forms of IP, where all registrations can be filed and searches conducted electronically from anywhere in the world.

It will introduce the concept of voluntary registrations of copyright, which is vital to a number of industries such as ITC, digital gaming, film, music and the arts

Dr Cardona will appoint a steering committee to handle recommendations from professionals who wish to contribute to this project.