UAE Showcases Intellectual Property Progress At 65th WIPO Session

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, led the UAE delegation at the 65th session of the Assemblies of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) member states. The event is being held at WIPO's headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and will run until 17th July.

Bin Touq highlighted that the UAE continues to advance its intellectual property (IP) sector following global best practices. This aligns with the vision of its wise leadership and aims to bolster the national economy's growth. The UAE has created a nurturing environment for IP, innovation, and patent activities by adhering to international standards.

The UAE has developed a comprehensive legislative framework to protect IP rights and encourage innovation across various fields. Key laws include the Trademark Law, Copyright and Neighboring Rights Law, and Industrial Property Rights Regulation and Protection Law. These laws have helped build strong partnerships with leading IP institutions locally, regionally, and globally.

In his speech at the session, Bin Touq reviewed significant developments in the UAE’s IP landscape. He noted that the country has succeeded in creating a sophisticated legislative environment that protects creators' and innovators' IP rights. This environment stimulates original thought and innovation in all sectors.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Bin Touq witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Economy and the Japan Patent Office (JPO). Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini from the Ministry of Economy and Hamano Koichi from JPO signed this MoU. It aims to establish a collaborative framework focusing on patents, utility certificates, and industrial designs.

The MoU represents a significant milestone in expanding international cooperation in IP rights protection. It aligns with 'We the UAE 2031' vision objectives by reinforcing the UAE's position as a hub for innovation and excellence in IP rights protection.

Growth Indicators in UAE's IP Sector

The UAE's IP sector has shown continued growth with positive indicators reflecting effective economic legislation and initiatives. In H1 2024, trademark registrations increased by 3.4 percent compared to H1 2023, totalling 15,319 trademarks. In 2023, 31,280 trademarks were registered, marking a 16.5 percent growth from 2022.

The registration of intellectual works also saw a rise in H1 2024 with a 22 percent increase compared to H1 2023. The total number of intellectual works reached 2,517 last year with a growth rate of 52 percent from 2022. Over five years, there were 10,087 intellectual works registered.

Patent Applications Surge

The Ministry recorded a rise in patent and utility certificate applications by 2.8 percent in H1 2024 compared to H1 2023. In total, there were 3,415 applications received last year reflecting a growth rate of 19.5 percent from 2022. Between 2019 and 2023, there were 12,521 patent applications submitted.

Future Prospects for IP Sector

"This year's WIPO meeting is particularly important as it coincides with our celebration of the 50th anniversary of the UAE's accession to WIPO," said Bin Touq. He emphasised that these five decades have been marked by fruitful cooperation between both sides.

The Minister stressed that national efforts are ongoing to launch more initiatives enhancing the UAE's position as an incubator for creative businesses. The Ministry is working on implementing its new IP system comprising eleven initiatives aimed at establishing a competitive environment for inventors to develop their ideas into viable business opportunities.

Commitment to International Cooperation

The UAE remains committed to cooperating with WIPO and its member states to support IP rights protection and knowledge exchange. Bin Touq reiterated interest in hosting an external office of WIPO in Abu Dhabi while supporting efforts to introduce Arabic into the Madrid System for International Registration of Trademarks.

"The UAE warmly welcomes Daren Tang, Director-General of WIPO," stated Bin Touq regarding Tang's upcoming visit to the World Government Summit scheduled for February 2025. This summit will be an opportunity for discussions on future prospects for the IP sector along with technologies supporting its development.

With inputs from WAM