The post of Director of Intellectual Property was established in 1990 as a statutory office by the Director of Intellectual Property (Establishment) Ordinance. The Intellectual Property Department operates the Trade Marks, Patents, Designs and Copyright Licensing Bodies Registries. The department is also responsible for making recommendations on policy and legislation related to intellectual property protection, provision of civil intellectual property legal advice to the Government and promotion of public awareness of and respect for intellectual property rights.