AMMAN - Jordan’s Customs Department in cooperation with Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (AGIP) organized a training course entitled "Intellectual Property (IP)" for Customs employees last month.
The course, which was presented by AGIP consultants, Mr. Sakhr Al Khasawneh and Mr. Ala’ Musleh, introduced intellectual property in all its categories.
"The course examined in details trademarks, patents, industrial designs and geographical indications on one hand and copyright and neighboring rights on the other," Mr. Al Khasawneh said.
"New categories arising as a matter of technological developments including utility models, integrated circuits, plant varieties and trade secrets were also tackled," he added.
A thorough overview for Jordanian intellectual property laws that govern the protection of the above categories was also tackled.
"Special emphasis was given to trademarks and how to detect fake products bearing marks infringing famous and well-known trademarks," Mr. Al Khasawneh pointed out.
The first session took place September 12-13, 2005 at the Customs Department headquarters in Amman. The other two sessions took place on September 19 at Amman Airport Customs Office, and September 27-28, at Aqaba Customs Center respectively.
Such training courses will improve the customs employees’ knowledge and raise awareness of the various aspects of IP.
"Participants expressed their need to attend similar courses which will broaden their knowledge and help them use new techniques to detect counterfeited items," Mr. Musleh said.
The training course reinforces the significance of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which was signed by the Customs Department and AGIP on July 18, 2005, aimed at increasing cooperation between the two parties and enhancing their efforts in protecting IPRs.