NONTHABURI, Feb 13 (TNA) – The Commerce Ministry is boosting local and international protection for
Siamese fighting fish as the cabinet recognises it as a national aquatic
animal.
Thosapone Dansuputra, director-general of the Intellectual
Property Department, said the cabinet’s resolution on Siamese fighting fish on
Feb 5 benefited the nation and the Commerce Ministry considered it was
necessary to protect the fish as Thailand’s genetic resources locally and
internationally.
The Commerce Ministry and the Intellectual Property
Department would have officials of their overseas branches publicize the
registration of Siamese fighting fish as Thailand’s national aquatic animal, he
said
His department supported the protection by submitting a
patent bill that would protect the owners of genetic resources and the cabinet
approved the principle of the bill on Jan 29, he said. Besides, Thai
authorities were pushing for the protection of genetic resources under the framework
of the World Intellectual Property Organisation.
However, Mr Thosapone said that foreigners could seek
patents related to Siamese fighting fish if they could invent a new method to
improve their breeds.
He urged relevant organizations and general people to watch
out for any attempts to abuse Siamese fighting fish to prevent biopiracy. (TNA)
