By protecting intellectual property the government contributes to scientific, technical and creative progress - Kazakh Justice Minister Berik Imashev

About what contribution is made to the dialogue on the popular site of the Forum by the Ministry of Justice of Kazakhstan tells in the interview with our correspondent Minister B. Imashev.

- Mr. Imashev, what are the goals of Astana Economic Forum?

- At the end of 2008, almost all countries, including Kazakhstan, have been overtaken by the financial and economic crisis. In order to engage in the dialogue on the reform of the world economy have been created international teams in format «G-8" - "Big Eight", bringing together the governments of UK, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, USA, France and Japan, and «G-20" - " Group of Twenty ", this is the format of international meetings of finance ministers and central bank governors representing 20 economies. However, after some time, these formats are insufficient for the implementation of further anti-crisis programs. In late 2011, the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev has proposed a new form of dialogue, which is now known as the «G-GLOBAL».

This project has been supported by representatives of the international community, and it was first tested in the framework of the Astana Economic Forum. The purpose of this forum is to hold various events to discuss and find the optimal solution of socio-economic, legal and cultural issues with the participation of economists and practitioners, business and international organizations. In his speech at the V Astana Economic Forum President of Kazakhstan, said: "Today it is important to know and actively learn from the successful experience of evolution of many countries. In this regard Kazakhstan is ready for such interaction. It is willing to learn and share its practice with all its friends. "
In order to realize this idea there has been created the communicative Internet site «G-GLOBAL», which significantly expanded the range of dialogue and increased the number of participants in dozens of times. Every day at the «G-GLOBAL» site there is a debate about the reform of the global economy and financial system, problems of innovative development, nuclear and environmental safety, ethnic and religious tolerance, geopolitics, and other aspects.

- What initiatives of the Ministry of Justice have been reflected in the work of the Astana Economic Forum?

- In his address to the nation on February 28, 2007 "New Kazakhstan in the new world" the President said: "We need to promote the development of the technology sector, strengthening the protection of intellectual property and trademarks. It is needful to create the bank of innovations and patents that are available for review and funding. "
Moreover, in his Address "Kazakhstan-2050 Strategy": new policy of the established state" as of 14 December 2012 the head of state ordered to revise legislation on copyright and patents, review all previously issued patents and registered copyrights for their possible commercialization.

Given the increasing importance of intellectual property in the global economy, the Ministry of Justice annually takes part in the organization of Astana Economic Forum. So, in 2012, under the V Astana Economic Forum with the support of the Ministry of the World Intellectual Property Organization there was the first panel session titled "The role of intellectual property in economic development" like a "round table" and the open platform for discussion. Also as part of V Astana Economic Forum there was a ceremony of awarding the winners of inventors called "Shapagat."

- Organization of what public events will be attended by the Ministry of Justice as part of VI Astana Economic Forum this year?

- Intellectual assets are the primary tools of the modern economy, providing the possibility of achieving high rates of economic growth for the world. Full integration into the structure of the world market is impossible without the progress of the system of protecting intellectual property. At the present stage of development in Kazakhstan intellectual property protection is a key concern. In particular, the issues of the rights of authors and copyright holders on the Internet are not confined to Kazakhstan, and it is a global problem. The issue solution requires analysis of international practice, inviting leading international experts in the field to work out common measures. In this regard, on the initiative of the Ministry of Justice as part VI of Astana Economic Forum there will be held a special panel session called "The Protection of Intellectual Property Rights on the Internet: Challenges and Prospects", in order to consider the matter at the level of international experts.

It should also be noted that in order to promote and enhance the role of the inventive activity in the industrial and economic development of the country, and to facilitate investment in this area, and the introduction of advanced developments in the manufacturing sector, in the framework of the VI Department of Astana Economic Forum there will take place the awarding ceremony for Inventors named 'Shapagat". This contest is conducted in accordance with the rules approved by the joint order of Minister of Justice, Minister of Education, Minister of Industry and Trade. Contest participants are national patent holders who have received patents and innovation patents. Inventions are selected by individual industries that meet the criteria of originality, competitiveness, high technical level and expected returns of the application.

- Why has this topic of debate been initiated?

- On the Internet you can see a large number of intellectual property, namely the works of science, literature and art - such as movies, soundtracks, images and computer programs that are available in digital format. They are most often used without the permission of the owners of these objects, leaving infringed individuals and businesses. Such violations can be both criminal and civil law, and therefore the protection of rights will be held with the various legal methods. The need to strengthen the protection of copyright and related rights in the Internet becomes relevant, practically for all countries. Most international instruments in one way or another related to information exchange give special attention to this issue.

I believe that while considering this issue there can be used the great potential of «G-GLOBAL» site, where there are combined efforts of leading scientists, experts, and politicians.

- What are the challenges facing the judicial authorities of Kazakhstan in the field of intellectual property the current year?

- As I have mentioned before, the Head of State instructed to revise the law in this area and analyze the previously issued patents and registered copyrights. As part of the National Action Plan on implementation of the Message of the President as of 14 December 2012 this type of work has been completed, the results have been submitted to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

In general, I believe that for the effective innovative growth along with adequate protection of intellectual property, the authors need to develop skills in the commercialization of their facilities. Actually the national legislation in the field of intellectual property protection is harmonized with the international law. However, there is a need for further improvement of the legislation in this area. In this regard, this year it is necessary to elaborate a relevant bill. The Working Group composing of representatives of the relevant government agencies, non-governmental organizations has already been created.

Given the objectives of the Head of State on entering the WTO, growth of industrial innovation, reducing administrative barriers, Kazakhstan's being one of the 30 most competitive countries in the world, we have clearly defined its priorities. Everyone knows that intellectual property is becoming a more valuable resource for determining the level of economic well-being of the country.

Protecting the intellectual property our government contributes to scientific and technical progress and creativity in order to strengthen the economy and improve living standards.

- Thank you for the interview.