Armenia to impropve copy right protection: WIPO experts present  recommendations 

ArmInfo.  To create an effective and efficient intellectual property institution, small countries like Armenia need an appropriate legal system. This was  stated by Miyuki Monroy, Legal and Program Specialist at WIPO's  Copyright Management Division, during a national seminar on copyright  and collective management organized by the World Intellectual  Property Organization (WIPO) and the Armenian Intellectual Property  Office (AIPO).

In this regard, she emphasized that the international WIPO treaties,  which Armenia has ratified, should also be applied domestically. "You  have developed a copyright law, which, coupled with international  treaties, can provide a solid legal basis," the expert said.

Secondly, Monroy emphasized the need to create organizations for the  collective management of copyright and related rights. Noting that  one such organization, "ArmAuthor," has been established in Armenia,  she emphasized the importance of incorporating best international  practices into its activities. At the same time, the expert cited  proper government monitoring of the functions and activities of  collective management organizations as a necessary mechanism to  ensure they operate properly and serve their purposes. However, as  Monroy noted, this monitoring must be carried out without interfering  with the private sector, that is, within a legal framework.  Meanwhile, Armenian Deputy Minister of Economy Anushik Avetyan stated  that protecting intellectual property and copyright is crucial for  the government. The latter, she argued, is not an end in itself, but  rather addresses two important issues: stimulating creativity and  innovation, and economic development.

"A developed intellectual property sector and copyright protection  help attract investment. If copyright is not protected, no serious  company is willing to invest in this country. We will not have  significant development in film production, and new technologies will  not come to us if we do not protect copyright.  Copyright protection  is a priority for the Ministry of Economy and the government of  Armenia." "We won't be able to export competitive production to the  world without a sustainable and effective intellectual property and  copyright protection ecosystem," Avetyan said.

The deputy minister also noted that a copyright law has already been  drafted and submitted to the Ministry of Justice. "I believe we'll  receive a response from the agency soon, after which discussions will  take place with all interested parties," she said.