Luanda — The director of the Angolan Institute of industrial Property (IAPI), Barros Liçenca, spoke out of the need for protection to brands, as the contrary can put at risk their control and weaken their position on the market, Angop learned.

The official was speaking about the theme "The economic function of brand and patent", adding that the risks include counterfeiting and registration by competitors.

Barros Licença said so during a sessions of the International Mining Fair (FIMA), adding that one of the functions of the brand is to distinguish products and services of the firms, to indicate their origin, guarantee the quality, publicity and promotion.