UAE, South Korea discuss advance framework for cooperation on Intellectual Property

"The UAE is keen to enhance international level cooperation on best practices in Intellectual Property in our effort to build a knowledge based economy. Our objective is to spearhead new initiatives in support of innovation," commented His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori UAE Minister of Economy.

The Ministry of Economy delegation was led by Dr. Ali Ibrahim Al Hosani, Assistant Undersecretary for Intellectual Property, while the KIPO side was led by Dr. Kwun Kuiwou, Director of International Cooperation Division.

The discussions were a part of the strategic partnership between the UAE and South Korea and the positive outcome of the UAE-South Korea Joint Economic Committee meeting conducted earlier in May 2012. As a concrete initiative, it will support the goals outlined in the Joint Committee meeting, further strengthening the UAE's strategic partnership with South Korea.

The two sides shared the significance of substantial cooperation achieved in patent examination and related automation system for mutual benefit. The UAE is the first Arab country with which the Korean government has initiated comprehensive IP cooperation.

The discussions focused on identifying practical ways of cooperation between the MOE and KIPO to build the UAE's patent examination capacities and IT system said Ali Ibrahim Al Hosani, Assistant Undersecretary for Intellectual Property.

Both sides agreed to take follow up measures on the discussions and recommendations. KIPO will send a feasibility study team to prepare a set of working environment and logistical and administrative matters necessary to enhance the patent examination process within the MOE. After the preparatory work is done by the feasibility study; the two sides will agree on the steps required to further the cooperation in this area added Al Hosani.

The meeting agreed to cooperate in other comprehensive areas, such as patent examination cooperation, trademarks, designs, IT and capacity-building of human resources in IP field.

Dr. Al Hosani said the MOE, through its ambitious cooperation framework with KIPO, is looking forward to strengthening and developing the IP business environment for the sustainable economic growth of the UAE. This will be achieved by means of laws, regulations, examination guidelines, IP promotion policies, and IT infrastructure.