AMMAN ------April 25, 2012------ Under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Sami Gammouh, Minister of Industry and Trade in the presence of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman of the Arab Society for Intellectual Property (ASIP) and representative of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Ms. Martha Friedli and a host of high ranking officials, the Well-Known Trademarks Conference 2012 was inaugurated today at the Amman Marriott Hotel April 25-26, 2012.
The two-day Conference is organized by ASIP in cooperation with the WIPO on the occasion of the World Intellectual Property Day April 26th. 
In his opening speech, the Minister highlighted the need to intensify efforts to promote awareness on the significance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) awareness.
“I highly praise the organization of this event on the occasion of the World IP Day because of the great value of the intellectual property assets to the national economy,” Gammouh addressed the attendants.
“Since the time of joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), Jordan has been committed to implementation of the trade related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS). The government has been also very keen in selecting competent human capacities in the enforcement of IPRs and has also maintained very good relations with the entities concerned with IPRs globally,” the Minister concluded.
From her part, WIPO Representative addressed the participants saying “I believe that we are at a very interesting juncture in the history of Trademark Law because in our lifetimes, we will see the concept “trademark” evolve into something that will find its way and consolidate in the virtual world. We will probably need to be innovative to deal with more situations of Internet presence and different types of protection and enforcement.”
“Intellectual property promotion and protection is however not the end goal, but a means to look for innovative answers to current social and economic challenges,” Friedli said.
At the commencement of his speech, Abu-Ghazaleh arriving from airport to participate at the Conference after taking part in UNCTAD’s meetings held in Doha.
He firstly said that he objects a lifetime pension law for members of the Lower and Upper Houses which grant them this privilege regardless of their service periods. He also requested at least that the Law be amended to become optional for only those who need it.
“It's needless to say that the country suffers a budget deficit and this proposed law will increase this deficit,” Abu-Ghazaleh said.
At the same time, he announced that if the law to be applied, he will request the transfer of his pension to the Al Hussein Cancer Center similar to his salary which was also transferred to the Center during his service as a senator.
“In all cases, transparency implies that we reveal to citizens the total annual burden accumulating as a result of this law which will be repaid from their taxes.”
Addressing the theme of the Conference, Abu-Ghazaleh stressed the significance of this Conference in reviewing, analyzing and understanding the latest developments in the IP field relating to Well Known Trademarks, to share experiences and ideas, and to benefit from a better understanding of the current environment in our collective and individual efforts to gain a competitive edge in the market for countries and our businesses. 
“Fundamental and rapid transformations are underway in the economic, environmental, social, technological and political spheres which are deeply affecting and are affec
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