The United Arab Emirates and the United States signed a Joint Statement of Intent to accelerate patent-granting procedures in the UAE. This agreement was finalised during the 66th Assemblies of the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), held in Geneva.
The UAE’s Ministry of Economy and Tourism signed the statement alongside the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The new programme introduces collaborative mechanisms that allow the UAE to recognise positive patent examination results issued by the USPTO. This step will apply to the corresponding Emirati applications, provided they comply with national laws.
By adopting this system, the UAE expects to streamline its patent review process. It also marks a broader commitment to align with global intellectual property standards while supporting domestic innovation.
Strengthening the UAE’s Intellectual Property Framework
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, said that the cooperation reflects the UAE’s commitment to enhancing the competitiveness of its intellectual property ecosystem by adopting international best practices. In particular, the focus is on industrial property rights and the development of patent registration procedures that meet the aspirations of innovators and provide flexible and efficient services that support an innovation-driven and entrepreneurial environment. This effort reinforces the country’s position as a regional hub for intellectual property rights protection.
He added that the partnership with the US represents a new push to accelerate patent issuance by strengthening international cooperation and adopting advanced operational models. These measures aim to ensure faster and more efficient protection for inventors and entrepreneurs, thereby creating an encouraging environment for innovation and investment in knowledge- and technology-based sectors, and enhancing the UAE’s readiness for a creativity-driven economic future.
Part of a Larger Strategy to Advance Innovation
This new bilateral cooperation supports the Ministry’s broader goal of reforming the UAE’s industrial property system. The ministry continues to introduce streamlined procedures and more flexible services to benefit inventors and entrepreneurs.
These improvements are designed to create a more agile business environment that rewards innovation. With this initiative, the UAE is also moving closer to its goal of becoming a global leader in knowledge-based development and intellectual property protection.
