Microsoft extends support to Arab IP Forum on the 'Economic Importance of Intellectual Property'

Organised by the MoE, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and Khasawneh & Associates, Legal Consultants, the Forum will gather an impressive line-up of international speakers who will lead high-level discussions on the socioeconomic impact of intellectual property rights (IPR) issues in the Arab region

H.E. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Alshihhi, Undersecretary - Planning Sector, MoE, commented:

"The UAE, an active WIPO member since 1974, has been at the forefront of regional and international efforts to increase the levels of protection for intellectual property rights. The country has been particularly successful in combating software piracy, where with the support of various rights holders and leading associations and through strict IPR enforcement it has become the lone Arab entry in the world's list of top 20 countries with the lowest piracy rates in 2006."

"Through this Forum, we intend to collaborate with the international community and intensify our campaign against all forms of piracy and other IPR violations," added H.E. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Alshihhi.

"We have to encourage dialogue to promote stronger cross-border collaboration among countries in the Arab world. Piracy is still viewed by some as a harmless crime, but its significant negative impact in terms of industry revenue, government taxes and job losses cannot be ignored. With concerted efforts and through the guidance of concerned organisations such as WIPO, we hope to greatly reduce IPR violations in the region. Most importantly, we want to show through this conference how IP can be used as an effective tool of economic development in the Arab world," said Nasser Ali Khasawneh, Managing Partner, Khasawneh & Associates, Legal Consultants, Dubai.

Cooperation was also among the points articulated by one of the key supporters of the conference. "The Arab world, through partnerships between governments and the private sector, has been actively addressing various IPR issues and seeking to create a business environment free of illegal activities. This forum complements regional efforts to enlighten individuals and organisations about the negative effects of piracy on the economy and the greater society," said Jawad Al Redha, Microsoft IPR Manager in the Gulf region.

The Forum is sponsored by SANAD Law Group of Jordan, Philip Morris International, Microsoft, Eversheds of UK, NOTARBARTOLO & GERVASI of Italy, Qays Zu'bi Attorneys & Legal Consultants of Bahrain and Kalbian Hagerty LLD. The event is also supported by the Brand Owners Protection Group, KIWI Multimedia, Tawaajd, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Hilton Hotel Abu Dhabi, which is the Forum's official hotel. Maktoob.com is the exclusive online partner of the Forum.

The speakers of the event include Jawad Al Redha, H.E. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Alshihhi, Pushpendra Rai, WIPO Intellectual Property and Economic Development Division Acting Director; Allen Dixon, London-based IPR international expert; Mrs. Maha Al Bakhiet, Head of the Arab League's IPR Unit, and other leading international IPR experts.