H.E. Sheikha Lubna emphasizes role of IP in economic development during first Arab Intellectual Property Forum

The Forum, which is being held under the patronage of H.E. Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, the UAE Minister of Economy, and jointly organised by the World Intellectual Property Organization and Khasawinah & Co. Legal Consultancy, will feature key speeches from many prominent IT and intellectual property (IP) personalities from the region.

In her opening address, H.E. Sheikha Lubna discussed the importance of raising awareness about IPR and associated laws in building the UAE's new economy, highlighting the detrimental effects of counterfeiting and piracy on the economy and society. She also emphasized the importance of the Forum in promoting proactive discussions among industry, authorities, and regulators.

"The AIPF ushers in a new and exciting age in intellectual property protection in the Arab World and I am very pleased to see representatives from varied interests gathered here to take proactive measures that will protect our nation's sustained economic growth. To see tangible results, it is essential that the private sector, governments and the public develop closer cooperation to develop and promote IPR protection initiatives that complement the efforts of events such as this Forum," H.E. Sheikha Lubna said.

"As trade exchange increases between the various countries of the world based on the transport of goods, investment, technology, knowledge and services in various sectors, intellectual property and intellectual property laws will certainly form the cornerstone of our new global economy," she added.

Mr. Pushpendra Rai, Acting Director, Intellectual Property and Economic Development Division, WIPO; and Mr. Jawad Al-Redha, Intellectual Property Rights Manager, Microsoft Gulf; led the roster of seasoned speakers who tackled three themes: IP and its interface with economic development; IP as a tool for developing national branding strategies; and creative industries and their contribution to national economies.

The first of two running workshops on the economic consequences of counterfeiting and piracy, and licensing, franchising and brand management, were likewise delivered by 10 distinguished speakers, led by H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdulaziz Alshihhi, Undersecretary -Planning Sector, UAE Ministry of Economy.

"We have spared no effort to make sure that all the pertinent issues related to IPR, IP laws, and enforcement in the region are brought to the table. The initial speeches, breakout sessions and workshops are just the beginning of more productive discussions on the state of IP in the Arab World that will continue beyond this Forum. The Ministry is honoured to be part of this momentous event," H.E. Alshihhi concluded.

The AIPF will present the results and findings of the workshops during a special plenary session on the last day, and will be concluded by a speech on 'IP and development in the Arab world: the way forward.'