The UAE, led by Minister of Economy H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, is participating in the 65th session of the Assemblies of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, Switzerland. Running until July 17, this session highlights the UAE’s ongoing efforts to enhance its intellectual property (IP) protection framework.
H.E. Bin Touq emphasized the UAE’s dedication to advancing its IP sector in alignment with global best practices, underpinned by the vision of its wise leadership. This approach is vital for fostering the national economy’s growth, providing a nurturing environment for IP, innovation, and patent activities.
In his address, H.E. Bin Touq highlighted significant advancements in the UAE’s IP landscape. The nation has established a robust legislative environment to safeguard IP rights, spurring innovation across various fields. This includes comprehensive laws such as the Trademark Law, Copyright and Neighboring Rights Law, and the Industrial Property Rights Regulation and Protection Law. Furthermore, the UAE has formed strategic partnerships with key IP institutions at local, regional, and global levels.
“The UAE is committed to fostering a competitive IP environment that supports inventors and creators in developing their entrepreneurial ideas into viable business ventures,” stated H.E. Bin Touq. The Ministry of Economy is implementing a new IP system with 11 initiatives aimed at creating this environment.
“This year’s WIPO meeting coincides with the 50th anniversary of the UAE’s accession to the Organization. These five decades have been marked by fruitful cooperation and effective partnerships,” H.E. Bin Touq added. He reiterated the UAE’s commitment to collaborating with WIPO and its member states to support IP rights protection and the exchange of expertise and knowledge.
H.E. Bin Touq also noted the UAE’s proposal to host a WIPO external office in Abu Dhabi and the introduction of Arabic into the Madrid System for International Registration of Trademarks. “We welcome Mr. Daren Tang, Director General of WIPO, to the upcoming World Government Summit in February 2025,” he said, emphasizing the opportunity for discussions on the future of the IP sector.
MoU with Japan
On the sidelines of the meeting, H.E. Bin Touq oversaw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Japan Patent Office (JPO). Signed by H.E. Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant Undersecretary for IP Rights Sector at the Ministry of Economy, and Mr. Hamano Koichi, JPO Commissioner, the MoU aims to establish a collaborative framework between the UAE and Japan focusing on patents, utility certificates, and industrial designs.
This MoU is a significant step in the UAE’s efforts to expand international cooperation in IP. It will enhance the UAE’s position as a hub for the new economy, aiming for excellence and competitiveness in innovation and IP rights protection. The partnership spans five years and includes knowledge sharing, combatting IP infringements, and training nationals on the latest IP practices.
The UAE has been strengthening its regional and international IP cooperation through various international agreements and treaties such as the ‘Nice Agreement,’ ‘Madrid Protocol,’ ‘Budapest Treaty,’ and ‘Strasbourg Agreement.’
UAE’s IP Sector Growth
The UAE’s IP sector continues to grow, reflecting the effectiveness of recent legislative initiatives. In the first half of 2024, the Ministry of Economy recorded a 3.4% increase in trademark registrations compared to the same period in the previous year. In 2023, 31,280 trademarks were registered, marking a 16.5% growth. The total number of trademarks in the UAE from 2019 to 2023 reached 122,000.
The first half of 2024 also saw a 22% rise in the registration of intellectual works compared to the same period in 2023, with a total of 2,517 works registered last year. Patent and utility certificate applications also increased by 2.8% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, with a total of 3,415 applications received last year.
These positive indicators demonstrate the UAE’s commitment to developing and enhancing its IP sector, fostering a supportive environment for innovation and economic growth.
