IP rights discussed for Angkor
The ancient works of Cambodia’s King Suryavarman II could become a protected intellectual trademark if the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) finalizes a treaty recognizing cultural heritage, the organisation’s head said yesterday. Angkor Wat, a 12th century temple complex and the Kingdom’s No 1 tourist destination, became an area of contention with India earlier this year when an Indian organisation announced plans to produce a replica in the country’s state of Bihar. Although the organisation, Mavahir Mandir Trust, has altered plans for what was reportedly a carbon copy of the structure, Cambodian officials have decried the potential economic and cultural effects on the country. … The treaty under discussion, which could become international law within a year, would provide a comprehensive framework for protecting works such as Angkor against domestic and international forgeries, he [WIPO director general Francis Gurry] added. …
