Deeply follow provisions of copyright laws

SINCE joining the World Trade Organization in 1995 and the World Intellectual Property Organization in 2001, Myanmar has enacted laws to protect intellectual property rights. Additionally, Myanmar is responsible for implementing intellectual property agreements related to trade processes.

As the Trademark Law, Industrial Design Law, and Intellectual Property Rights Law came into effect in 2023, the relevant authorities are now accepting applications for copyrights. Similarly, with the Patent Law taking effect on 31 May of this year, applications are also being accepted for innovations. In this context, it is essential for everyone to respect the efforts of those pursuing innovation and new creations within the bounds of copyright law. By doing so, they will experience more positive outcomes.

As a member of ASEAN, Myanmar needs to participate in regional copyright initiatives. To support this, the government enacted the Patent Law to boost international trade and investment, create local employment opportunities, and benefit the nation. Protecting innovations can enhance technology transfer, fostering further innovation. With strengthened copyright protections, foreign investment is more likely to flow into the country. This law particularly safeguards the rights and interests of copyright holders and innovators. Intellectual property measures are currently crucial for advancing technology, enhancing competitiveness, and expanding the global market across all sectors. Among various systems, the patent system has been flourishing for centuries. Innovations that benefit humanity receive copyright protection. However, to qualify for protection, an innovation must be new, follow the correct processes, and be applicable across industries.

Nowadays, copyright disputes frequently arise across various sectors worldwide, especially in the field of artificial intelligence. Relevant governments are responsible for raising awareness of the people not to violate copyright regulations and for having the confidence to take deserved recognition, acknowledgement, and honorarium for their creations and innovations. If so, everybody can avoid unacceptable disputes about violations of the copyright. In early 2024, a court in Tokyo, Japan, issued a ruling that cancelled copyright protections for AI innovations, reasoning that AI, not being human, cannot hold such rights.

Human intelligence is the primary source of all innovation. All creations and innovations are based on the intelligence of humans. Hence, it is necessary to recognize the efforts of creation. Therefore, governments must protect these innovations through legislation. As Myanmar collaborates with various countries in business, all stakeholders must diligently comply with the provisions of the Patent Law across all sectors.

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