In 2023, the UAE has seen remarkable intellectual property (IP) application growth. Notably, the country records a 9.6% increase in trademarks and a 29.5% increase in intellectual work registrations. The government is setting new IP protection and innovation standards. With that said, the UAE authorities decided to introduce
This comprehensive programme, consisting of 11 interconnected initiatives, aims to empower inventors, creators, and entrepreneurs. By strengthening IP protection, streamlining registration processes, and fostering a culture of innovation, the UAE is paving the way for a knowledge-based economy.
At a recent event, key government officials, academic institutions, and private sector representatives unveiled the system. Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri emphasised the importance of IP in driving economic growth and highlighted the system’s alignment with the UAE’s vision to become a knowledge-based economy by 2031.
Minister Al Marri stated, “The UAE recognises the significance of establishing an integrated legislative framework that promotes creativity, innovation, and comprehensive IP protection for talented individuals, skilled professionals, creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs in the country.” These efforts underscore the nation’s commitment to protecting IP rights through various innovative initiatives.
Specifically, the new IP system prioritises the following:
Comprehensive Protection
The UAE will enhance the protection of IP rights. Now, the protection covers all forms of intellectual property, including trademarks, patents, and copyrights.
Infringement Minimization
The new infringement minimization efforts empower innovators. Overall, it will effectively secure their rights and reduce the violations faced by patentees and innovators.
Dispute Resolution
Establishing streamlined mechanisms for resolving IP disputes.
User-Friendly Platform
Implementing AI-powered solutions to facilitate registration and access to information.
Service Development
Improving the ministry’s services to individuals and institutions wishing to register patents. The system will leverage AI technology to support the growth of R&D-based projects. This will enable the exploitation of intellectual property protection and facilitate the marketing of national exports to foreign markets.
The new system is poised to increase the revenues of the national IP sector. By facilitating the export of advanced national products and services it will attract intellectual property investments and support trademark registration and patents. Additionally, it will promote technology transfer from advanced to emerging sectors by providing licenses for using technology and knowledge.
In 2023, the UAE has already witnessed encouraging growth in IP applications. Trademark applications increased by 9.6%, intellectual work registrations by 29.5%, and patent applications by 19.5%.
The Innovation Hub: An online platform offering guidance and support to creators during the patent registration process
Patent Hive: Aiming to increase patent registrations by 6,000 by 2026 through collaboration with research institutions
Emirati Fahes: Upskill Emirati talent in the IP space, create job opportunities, and promote private sector involvement
InnovLAB: Boosting innovation incubators, fostering competitiveness, and evaluating their effectiveness
InstaBlock: Expediting the removal of infringing content through live streams
IP Sport: Raising awareness of IP rights in the sports industry and boosting trademark registrations
One Day TM: Offering same-day trademark registration certificates to accelerate the process
The IP Platform: Integrating data from various government entities for efficient enforcement
Hayyakom: Enhance the UAE’s image and attract global companies by hosting major IP events
IP School: Developing WIPO-endorsed training programmes for diverse audiences
Aisha: A virtual character helping to raise public awareness of IP rights through social media engagement
The UAE’s new IP system is a testament to its commitment to fostering innovation and protecting IP products. By implementing these initiatives, the UAE is undoubtedly positioning itself as a global IP protection and innovation leader. Our legal team can provide you with the support you need to register IP in the UAE. Reach out to our IP registration consultants via [email protected] or 800 64628.
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