How can we promote understanding of the need to protect intellectual property?

Copyright infringements are common in Laos, even though the authorities carry out regular inspections to try to prevent such violations. Copyright protection is beneficial because it encourages innovators, whose creativity is key to furthering the development. To mark World Intellectual Property Day on April 26, Vientiane Times asked business owners and members of the public for their thoughts on this issue.

Mr Phonexay, a government official in Vientiane: Most people aren’t very aware of intellectual property protection. Many don’t understand the issues and need more information about it. If possible, there should be more awareness-raising activities to build people’s knowledge about the matter. More information should be provided so that people are made aware of the importance of copyright. It’s very important to be aware of the issues surrounding intellectual property because it benefits both producers and consumers. Of course, people who break the rules and copy the products of others should be penalised. I also think that producers should regularly improve the quality of their products.
 
Ms Buavanh Monchanthammavong, a business operator in Vientiane province:  I am proud of our products because they are attractive to both domestic and foreigner customers. The handicrafts we make have their roots in the folk wisdom of many provinces, but they are not registered by the government. Registration is complicated and costs a lot of money, especially in relation to the sinh (traditional women’s skirt), because there are many patterns and they constantly change. I would like to ask the government to help us by reducing the fees charged for registration and making the process simpler.
 
Ms Yhai Naly, a resident of Xaysettha district, Vientiane: It’s not good that there are many products on sale in Laos that are not copyrighted or trademarked. It’s not easy to register an item under the intellectual property regulations because it takes a lot of time and is expensive. But it’s not easy to come up with a new product and people spend a lot of time trying to make something new. For this reason, it would be better if producers copyright and trademark their work to legally protect their products. If producers don’t copyright or trademark their work, their products can be copied easily and those who copy cannot be considered guilty. In addition, it’s a good thing for products to be registered because people are more willing to buy things if they trust the quality and the brand.
 
Ms Siphai Khamphavong, a student in Bokeo province: The protection of intellectual property is a new concept for most people. Most don’t have any understanding of what’s involved and need more information about it. I think the authorities should do more to explain the importance of intellectual property and copyright and make sure everyone understands the need to comply with the law. People of all ages should be made aware of copyright infringement as well as plagiarism, especially schoolchildren, so that they learn what’s right and wrong at a young age and have more respect for the work done by others.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update April 27, 2022)