UAE Signs Agreement To Develop Intellectual Property Safeguards

The UAE Ministry of Economy has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) to develop mechanisms protecting intellectual property in the country.

According to the agreement, which follows a similar MoU in 2010, KIPO will assist in examining various patent applications that have been submitted to the ministry from the UAE.

Around 2,200 patent applications are expected to be processed by the end of this year, the ministry said in a statement.

A patent unit, in accordance with international standards, will be set up within the ministry and will help raise awareness about intellectual property and patents across the country. The unit will also initiate patent–related programs and courses in the UAE, the statement said.

“Securing intellectual and industrial property protection is a matter of integrity for any nation,” said Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehhi, undersecretary, UAE Ministry of Economy.

“The purpose of this MoU and other similar international conventions underlines the UAE’s conviction about the crucial role that intellectual property plays in the business landscape to enable innovation, build a strong economy, promote sustainable development, and attract foreign investments.”

He added that strengthening the UAE’s intellectual property rights would also help transform the region as a hub for innovation.

The ministry’s industrial property director Khalfan Al Suwaidi said that authorities have chosen a strategic partner for patent examination after a thorough evaluation.

“We evaluated a number of countries that have experience in this field, and selected the KIPO due to its rich experience and knowledge, in addition to being the best in the technical aspects of the process.”

Intellectual property protection has been gaining momentum in the country as it prepares to host Expo 2020.

Recently Dubai hosted the first Intellectual Property forum, which brought into focus issues such as the protection of intellectual property of trademarks, the importance of consumer protection for businesses and the relevance of public-private partnership on the consolidation of practices relating to the protection of intellectual property.