A seminar on intellectual property and its role in promoting investment was concluded in Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates April 25, 2004. The Seminar was organized by the Economic Department in collaboration with Talal Abu-Ghazaleh & Co. International (TAGI).
H. H. Sheikh Saqr Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member & Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, pointed out that the UAE joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1996, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 1975 and the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property in 1996.
He also said that the UAE has been exerting continuous efforts to modernize its IP laws and regulations to comply with international standards. Therefore, the UAE has revised, updated and amended its existing IP laws so that they are in harmony with those demanded by the TRIPS Agreement.
On his part, Mr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, President of the Arab Society for Intellectual Property (ASIP), said that intellectual Property rights, on the long run, would promote creativity and innovation, create safe environment, provide job opportunities and increase capital for investment.
Mr. Abu-Ghazaleh announced that ASIP has prepared the curriculum for the “IP Expert Program” in collaboration with WIPO. Trainees will obtain IP expert certificate after passing the relevant exams.
“This will be the first professional qualification of its kind in the Arab world qualifying lawyers, judges, academics, researchers and businessmen in the IP field,“ he added.
The seminar was concluded with Sheikh Al Qassimi’s approval on establishing a regional information center in Ras Al Khaimah to provide Worldwide recognized patents for Arab pharmaceutical companies.