UAE To Host First International Conference On Reprographic Rights Management In February 2025

The UAE is set to host the inaugural International Conference on Reprographic Rights Management under the patronage of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi. This event, scheduled for 19th to 20th February 2025, will gather representatives from collective management organisations and experts in creative rights. The conference aims to highlight the importance of intellectual property rights and their influence on the creative economy.

Organised by the Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association (ERRA) in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Economy and the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations (IFRRO), this conference underscores the UAE's commitment to intellectual property protection. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi remarked, "Hosting this conference conveys the sincerity of our ambition to be a leading world platform for dialogue on creators’ rights." This initiative aims to empower creators while fostering cultural and economic growth.

Majd Al Shehhi, Director of ERRA, pointed out that hosting this conference demonstrates the UAE's dedication to international discussions on authors' rights. This reflects an aspiration to adopt global best practices within cultural and educational sectors. The event will serve as a crucial platform for global experts and stakeholders to exchange knowledge and explore development opportunities in reprographic rights protection.

The first day will include panel discussions focusing on collective management's role in reprographic rights protection, unauthorised use of creative works, and artificial intelligence implications in today's digital age. On the second day, sessions will target universities, authors, and publishers. These sessions will feature expert presentations addressing artificial intelligence's impact on reprographic rights.

Al Shehhi emphasised that safeguarding creators' rights is both a moral duty and a strategic necessity for boosting the UAE's creative economy. By advocating for these protections, the nation aims to enhance its position as a leader in cultural dialogue and innovation.

The conference represents a significant step towards strengthening intellectual property frameworks globally. It highlights how protecting creators' rights can drive economic growth while ensuring cultural preservation. Through such initiatives, the UAE continues to position itself as a hub for international collaboration in creative industries.

With inputs from WAM