UAE to use AI to help with intellectual property issues

AI could soon help settle intellectual property issues in the UAE.

The UAE Ministry of Economy and the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to utilise artificial intelligence technologies for intellectual property (IP) legal matters, including patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and copyright.

The MoU was signed in Geneva on the sidelines of meetings being held at the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).

Mohammed Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Shehhi, undersecretary for economic affairs at the UAE’s Ministry of Economy (and who signed the MoU), said the usage of AI in IP could play a large role in shaping he future economy – in addition to cementing the UAE’s status as a future-focussed society that utilises the latest technologies to make life better and more efficient.

News of the use of AI in IP comes as Dubai has launched the region’s first virtual licences.

The virtual company licences, announced by Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, allow for investors worldwide to do business in Dubai digitally – without requiring residence in the emirate.

READ: Dubai launches virtual company licences

The licences are a joint initiative of Dubai Economy, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners’ Affairs (GDRFA), Smart Dubai, and the Supreme Legislation Committee. Open to businesses and investors from more than 100 countries, the virtual licences focus primarily on creative industries, technology and services.

Hoped to attract at least 100,000 companies, the licences can be applied for by visiting vccdubai.ae or through the offices of VFS Global at 11 locations worldwide (at present).