Yesterday was World Intellectual Property Day – mostly referred to as World IP Day. On April 26 of each year, this day is observed throughout the world with a variety of initiatives and events with the underlying objective of increasing mass awareness and understanding on Intellectual Property (IP). In 2014, we celebrated the day with the theme “Movies – A Global Passion,” commemorating the contribution of Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin, popularly known as Charlie Chaplin – an icon and one of the most important figures in the history of the film industry.
Charlie Chaplin was an actor, director, and producer, who, exactly 100 years back, had a great contribution in the modern film-making process. Chaplin brought depth of character to the screen as an actor, embraced new technologies as a director, and, as a producer, he introduced innovative methods of financing and distribution which many think have helped in creating the modern film industry and established film as one of the most popular mediums of art around the world. 100 years later, today, movies have become a global passion for the countless viewers who watch them every day, and also for the millions who work relentlessly on and off screen in making such films throughout the globe.
Movies have come a long way since Chaplin’s days, and are considered to be one of the most powerful mediums for influencing our lives, our choices, and decision-making process. Movies have always been the outcome of a collaborative effort. From script to screen, each stage of the movie-making process requires contribution from a crew of creative and innovative minds, of which intellectual property (IP) rights remain at the core.
It is the IP rights that draw the producer to invest in a film, encourage the screenwriter and director to create, and motivate the artists and the rest of the crew to work and earn a living as well as a reputation. They encourage the use of advanced technology and innovations in the making of the film and help to generate revenue through invoking fresher distribution channels.
In other words, every aspect of film-making – be it protecting the script, sourcing funds, protecting artists’ rights or distribution rights, merchandising, technical innovations, marketing strategies, or application of digital technologies – spins around a variety of issues.
WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organisation) works together with various government agencies, non-government organisations, community groups, and individuals to hold different events and activities, including concerts, public performances, essay competitions, seminars and workshops, art exhibitions, and so on to observe and promote World IP Day each year.
Bangladesh is a country that encompasses a massive number of creative and innovative minds. It is one of the most linguistically, culturally, and ethnically homogeneous country in the world – an emblem of pride for the glory of her heritage and tradition of creative practices in art, culture, and innovation.
Bangladesh is also a country where we often see our creative ideas and innovations get battered due to a lack of self-awareness and inadequate protection. To this extent, Bangladesh Copyright & IP Forum (BCIPF), a not-for-profit entity which works towards promoting creativity and innovations and protecting right-holders’ interests within Bangladesh, is observing this year’s World IP Day through holding a campaign titled “Volunteer for IP” (VIP), which is a youth-engagement campaign to promote IPR awareness in Bangladesh among the community.
The youths are considered to be the driving force for creativity and innovation in any given society. The power of the youth has always triumphed in bringing positive changes to Bangladesh. Despite all odds, the youth are the ones who are expected to shape the creative and innovative future of Bangladesh.
