Technology and Innovation Support Centres (TISCs) in Sri Lanka were established and developed by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in collaboration with the National Intellectual Property Office (NIPO). These centres are designed;
- To provide innovators in developing countries with access to internationally based, high-quality services related to technology information.
- To help innovators in developing countries to exploit their potential.
- To create, protect, and manage their intellectual property (IP) rights.
Objective
Objective of establishing such centres is to stimulate dynamic, vibrant and balanced Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) systems in Sri Lanka to foster creativity and innovation. It will thereby help to promote entrepreneurship and enhance social, economic and cultural development by establishing a network of TISCs in Sri Lanka.
Services Offered by TISC – SUSL
- Providing access to patent, scientific and technical databases.
- Providing analytical supports such as Patent Landscape Reports (PLRs) or related services.
- Assisting and advising in using databases.
- Assisting and advising on IP management – Commercialization.
- Assisting and advising on IP management – Licensing, technology transfer.
- Assisting and advising on IP management – Patent drafting, prosecution.
- Conducting the patent information searches such as Freedom to operate search, novelty search, patentability search, state of the art search and validity search.
Intellectual Property is defined as the types of property resulting from creations of the human mind, the intellect. The owner of the intellectual property is free to use it as she/he wishes, provided the privilege to use is not against the law and to exclude others from using their owned items protected by IP. Intellectual property is usually dealt under the following main headings:
- Literary, artistic and scientific works e.g. books. Protection of this property is governed by laws concerning Copyright.
- Performances, broadcasts e.g. concerts. Protection of this property is governed by laws concerning Copyright’s Related Rights.
- Inventions e.g. a new form of jet engine. Protection of inventions is covered by laws concerning Patents.
- Industrial designs e.g. the shape of a soft drinks bottle. Industrial Designs may be protected by its own specialised laws, or those of Industrial Property or Copyright.
- Trademarks, service marks and commercial names and designations e.g. logos or names for a product with unique geographical origin, such as Champagne. Protection is normally available under various laws.
- Protection against unfair competition. E.g. false claims against a competitor or imitating a competitor with a view to deceive the customer.
There are several compelling reasons such as: Human creativity is the foundation of human civilization, progress and well-being. The protection of creative efforts encourages further creations, enhances investment, and stimulates transfer of technology and strengthens economic growth of the country. Protection of intellectual property thus creates new industries and more employment opportunities whilst enhancing the quality and enjoyment of life. An efficient and equitable intellectual property system can effectively contribute to the economic, technological, social and cultural development. The intellectual property system attempts to achieve a balance between the rights of the creators and the interest of society as a whole, thereby introducing an environment where the creativity in every sphere of human endeavour can flourish to the benefit of all.
The current intellectual property legal regime in Sri Lanka is governed by the Intellectual Property Act, No. 36 of 2003 which makes provisions for a variety of intellectual property rights and their acquisition, management and enforcement. The National Intellectual Property Office of Sri Lanka established under this law is the only Government Department, which is responsible for the administration and control of the intellectual property system in Sri Lanka.
National Intellectual Property Office of Sri Lanka: https://www.nipo.gov.lk
World Intellectual Property Office: https://www.wipo.int
European Patent Office: https://www.epo.org/
United State Patent and Trademark Office: https://www.uspto.gov/
Intellectual Property Office of Singapore: https://www.ipos.gov.sg/
Japan Patent Office: https://www.jpo.go.jp/
Korean Intellectual Property Office: https://www.kipo.go.kr