The World Customs Organization (WCO), in cooperation with the Asia Pacific Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB A/P), conducted a WCO National Seminar on Intellectual Property Rights in Jakarta, Indonesia from 23 to 25 September 2014. The Seminar took place at the Indonesia Customs headquarters under the sponsorship of the Customs Cooperation Fund IPR/Japan.

While it started off with the understanding of the current IPR situation in Indonesia, the main focus of this 3-day seminar were on the review of the legal framework of IPR border enforcement, the IPR-related information exchange and the need of building a cooperative relationship with the private sector. Representatives from Indonesia Customs explained their legal framework and the issues they face in IPR border protection.

In addressing the issues and concerns raised by Indonesia Customs, IPR Experts from 3 different Customs administrations shared their in-depth knowledge of IPR legal frameworks, international standards, and also vocational experiences in the IPR enforcement field.

The highlight of the Seminar came on the final day, when stakeholders and representatives from the business sector gathered together to exchange views with Indonesia Customs. With the facilitation of experts, all participants agreed that closer and continuous cooperation would be essential to improve IPR protection in Indonesia.

The Seminar was attended by 36 participants from various offices of Indonesia Customs, from the Directorate General of Intellectual Property Rights, from the Republic of Indonesia Attorney General, from the Legal Bureau of General Secretary of Finance Ministry, from the Central Jakarta State Court and from the Indonesian Anti-Counterfeit Association (IACA).

With fighting against counterfeiting and piracy as one of its top priorities, the WCO will remain committed to capacity building activities, as it always has, in countries where its expertise is needed.