Topic: International Intellectual Property Protection
Country: Laos
Delegate Name: Tristan Harman
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Laos position papers GLIMUN 2017 committees
Intellectual Property (IP) is defined as “creations of the mind”, meaning it refers to anything theorized or invented. As economic stability is build upon a free market, and a free market upon goods and services constantly increasing in convenience and quality, it should be obvious that intellectual property is an essential part to maintaining an economy. The United Nations (UN) has made efforts to encourage the fair use of IP through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and has been met with success in educating about and promoting restrictions on IP. However, moving forward, it is becoming increasingly clear that something more modern may be necessary to compete with evolving economies worldwide and the numerous fringe-cases omnipresent amongst issues. While stricter guidelines on IP would overall encourage more diverse and healthier economic environments, it is possible that said guidelines would allow monopolies to form and hinder competition, neither of which is healthy for an economy.
With this in mind, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic would caution delegates towards moderation. Too little IP protection would allow copying of ideas and kill diversity, but too much would prevent similar products and kill competition. Laos has experienced economic difficulties in the past and sincerely hopes the same would not befall any other nations because of poorly-tuned policies. IP is an integral part of our growing economy, and we are of the firm opinion that harmonizing IP laws would be in everyone’s best interests. Moreover, we would like to state the immense importance of what we do today, and that all involved must take the utmost care when deciding these matters, taking into consideration how each decision will impact worldwide economic interests.
Laos has been refining its IP laws since 1990 and will continue to do so in regards to the developing economic sectors. Like many other economically developing nations, Laos stands to lose much if IP protection is pushed to an extreme. Therefore, Laos would suggest attempting to find a middle ground in regards to IP policies, and forming an encompassing resolution to harmonize existing policies. We believe that this would not upset any delicate economies, while also allowing more compatibility between foreign IPs and an easier way to regulate finer amendments should they need to be made.
In closing, Laos would like to stress that any shift in IP laws could have immense effects, and that the simplest and most effective solution would be to attempt to bring together existing IP policies. I hope that a resolution to this effect will be passed and that all interests will be respected in it, and that all may agree that moderation is necessary.
Sources: “Lao People’s Democratic Republic: IP Laws and Treaties”, WIPO http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/profile.jsp?code=LA
“International Intellectual Property Protection – GLICA”, GLICA http://www.modgear.net/glica17/hello-world-3/
