Pakistan is a country that is constantly in conflict, whether within itself or with other foreign countries. However, in the 21st century, Pakistan has made some huge improvements, meaning that it’s time for this country to invest more in the economy. Accordingly, to be able to be more harmonious and become a great nation on the world stage, Pakistan needs to focus more on IP – one of the best methods to improve a country’s economy.
As with most other countries, the people of Pakistan have realized the damage made by IP infringements for a long time.
In recent years, the voice against IP violations has been expressed more and more as many Pakistan artists stand up and demand the country made more efforts in the protection of IP assets.
The voices mainly come from new artists who have just recently entered the entertainment industry. This has indicated that the youth generation of Pakistan is getting more aware of IP matters and it is a very good sign.
However, the recognition has only been at the basic level and more needs to be done in order to enhance the knowledge and make the knowledge into actual action.
One of the most relatable cases about IP awareness in the Pakistan artists’ field is of the Pakistani pop singer and songwriter Zoheb Hassan and the TV drama series “Sinf e Aahan”.
The TV drama series “Sinf e Aahan” has had many rumors about potential IP infringement, specifically about copyright.
One of the contents of the series is about 7 young women. These young, talented women joined the Pakistani Army, featuring songwriter Zoheb Hassan and his late sister Nazia’s song “Dosti” being performed by actresses Syra Yousuf and Yehali Tashiya in one of its episodes.
Shortly after the episode is aired, Hassan learned about it and posted a tweet stating that the show is an act of copyright infringement, violating the copyright of the song, being used without permission from entertainment company B&H International Private Limited (BH International is the copyright owner of all songs written and composed by the Hassan siblings).
One other case revolving around the conflict with Pakistan artists is that a Pakistan singer alleged that his song “Nach Punjaban” has been used repeatedly without permission, for a total of 6 times at the time of the statement.
One other incident is the battle between the producers of the movie “Maula Jutt” and the movie “Legend of Maula Jutt”.
Expert opinions
Intellectual property lawyer Sana Shaikh Fikree, senior associate at Vellani & Vellani in Karachi, agrees with the statement that Pakistan artists need more guidance and support on IP matters, especially with regard to copyright.
Acknowledging that the artists have gained basic information about IP, however, Fikree said that there are still many works needed in order to help them turn that knowledge into actual protection: “A lot needs to be done to further educate them, particularly, those coming from the rural areas of our country, about IP in general, and particularly, copyright and what rights they have in relation to different works and what measures are available under the applicable laws of Pakistan to protect their copyright and combat piracy of such copyright.“
You can see a list of Pakistan IP firms here.