OICCI voices concern over proposed amendment to patents ordinance

LAHORE: The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) has raised significant concerns regarding a proposed amendment to Section 30(3) of the Patents Ordinance 2000. In a letter addressed to the commerce secretary, the OICCI urged the government to engage with stakeholders before moving forward with the proposed changes.

The OICCI highlighted that the amendment aims to remove the clause that currently allows patent holders to initiate legal action against parties engaged in activities likely to result in patent infringement. According to the chamber, eliminating this provision could weaken the enforcement of patent rights by restricting the ability of companies to act against early steps towards infringement, such as the granting of marketing authorisation for generic versions of patented medicines before the expiration of the patent.

The chamber cautioned that such a change could have far-reaching implications. It warned that the proposed amendment might undermine Pakistan’s international commitments related to intellectual property protection. The OICCI further stated that reducing the level of protection for innovation could discourage foreign investment in the country and potentially impact the availability of patented, research-based medicines in the Pakistani market.

The OICCI called for immediate consultation with all stakeholders to ensure that any amendments to the Patents Ordinance are carefully considered and do not adversely affect the investment climate or access to innovative medicines.