UAE launches program to strengthen intellectual property

The Ministry of Economy has unveiled a program with the aim of better protecting intellectual property, due to the rise in trademark registrations in the UAE. The initiative, called IP Ecosystem, will help inventors and innovators protect their creations and will also serve as a cornerstone for growth by attracting foreign direct investment, Economy Minister Abdullah bin Tuqa said on Wednesday.

The program is also in line with the UAE's goal of becoming the world's hub for the new economy and the most prosperous society by 2031, Mr. bin Touq said during the launch ceremony.

"Intellectual property plays a key role ... it supports business development, promotes innovation and increases the overall market value of enterprises," the Minister said.

"This initiative is aimed at stimulating innovation and creativity in the country, creating a competitive and favorable environment in which talented citizens can effectively use intellectual property."

The IP Ecosystem program is based on 11 initiatives covering key economic and creative sectors in the UAE, including support for new technologies and student awareness programs.

Strengthening the protection provided by intellectual property laws and supporting the development of research and development projects are the main principles of the new program.

Also seek to improve the services provided by the ministry, especially in the field of artificial intelligence, in order to promote them as national products that can be sold in the international market.

The new system "will significantly increase the revenues of the UAE's intellectual property sector by facilitating the export of innovative products and services based on innovation and modern technology to international markets," Mr.

bin Touq said.

"It becomes a milestone in our efforts to accelerate the UAE's transition to a knowledge-based economy, encourage innovation and create a national economic environment that supports intellectual property, innovation and patents."

Intellectual property is an important component of the economy because it protects ideas and concepts created by individuals and businesses, which is key to the development of small businesses, which in turn stimulate the development of broader economic sectors.

This protection also validates the authenticity of their products, helping them defend against attempts to steal or violate their concepts.

The UAE, which is prioritizing the growth of creators and innovators as part of its new economic program, has seen a significant increase in trademark registrations.

In 2023, the number of trademark registration applications increased by almost 10 percent compared to the previous year, according to data from the Ministry of Economy.

The number of registered trademarks has also increased by almost 3 percent, while the registration of intellectual works has grown by 29.5 percent.

Patent applications, in turn, increased by 19.5 percent to 3,415 last year, while the total number of registered patents reached 5,108, marking a 13.7 percent increase compared to 2022.

“The UAE recognizes the importance of creating an integrated legislative and regulatory framework that fosters creativity, innovation, and comprehensive protection of intellectual property for talented individuals, skilled professionals, creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs in the country,” said Mr. bin Touk.

The legislative and political steps taken by the UAE in recent years have led to a significant expansion of the new economy sectors, as more individuals and companies continue to tap into the country's growth potential.

The number of licenses related to creative activities registered in the country by the end of the first half of 2023 reached 932,000, the ministry reported in November.

“The data and indicators confirm the progressive development of the intellectual property sector in the UAE,” noted Mr. bin Touk.

Currently, the ministry is also collaborating with relevant organizations and authorities to expand the scope of trademark registration, including new categories of trademarks such as sounds, scents, geographical indications, and holograms, the minister added.