The enforcement of intellectual property rights

Abstract

The Maltese Government is committed to encourage the creation and legitimate use of lntellectual Property in Malta in line with its present and future obligations. This is being accomplished through membership of International Agreements, upgrading of legislation and capacity building of structures responsible for registration and enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights. The objectives, therefore, of my project have been to investigate how enforcement of IPR is carried out effectively in Malta and to identify the forces working for or against this process. Enforcement is being handled mainly by the Customs Department and the Police Authorities, while registrations of trademarks, patents, designs and models is carried out by the Industrial Property Office at the Commerce Division, which is part of the Ministry for Economic Services. Besides these, Intellectual Property includes also the protection of copyright for which new legislation was enacted in the year 2000. The above agencies involved in the process of enforcement of IPR have been investigated one by one. They share a common goal, and between them try to cooperate in protecting the right owner wherever possible. They are armed with the proper mechanisms and structures to be able to achieve this, as can be seen in the chapters dealing with the workings of these government authorities. In spite of this is their target being achieved? [...]