INTA Consolidates Ties with the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s “Saudi Vision 2030” is a plan to reduce the nation’s dependence on oil, diversify its economy, and develop public service sectors, such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism. In line with this plan, and mindful of the role of intellectual property (IP) in accelerating economic growth and the shift toward an innovation-driven economy, Saudi Arabia empowered the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) to promote, advocate for, and enforce IP rights. To this end, the SAIP is streamlining IP procedures and processes, centralizing key IP functions, and making notable progress towards becoming a “one-stop shop” on matters related to IP.

On February 25, Tat-Tienne Louembe, INTA Representative Africa, Middle East, and Intergovernmental Organizations, met with Abdulrahman Al Ayoni, Executive Director of Trademarks and Industrial Design at SAIP; Ahmed Almarshadi, Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at SAIP; Abdulrahman Alsuraykh, Head of Trademarks at SAIP; and Saif Alsaif, Strategic Partnerships Officer at SAIP.

During the meeting, SAIP officials expressed strong interest in increasing cooperation with INTA to further exchange best practices and collaborate in joint communications activities. In the near future, INTA and SAIP plan to work on the Kingdom IP Strategy, issues relating to famous and well-known marks, and other topics of mutual interest.

It is worth mentioning that last year, Mr. Al Ayoni participated in an INTA event during a session of the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Standing Committee on the Law of Trademarks, Industrial Designs and Geographical Indications. He shed light on the SAIP’s work, its innovation-driven policy, and its strategic vision.

On the margins of the visit to Saudi Arabia, Mr. Louembe also engaged with members from local law firm Al Tamimi. Discussions revolved around the state of IP in the Gulf Cooperation Council region as well as ways to provide capacity building to key stakeholders.

INTA Representative Tat-Tienne Louembe supports the Association’s 437 members across Africa and the Middle East. In collaboration with the staff at INTA’s headquarters in New York City and Representatives Offices around the world, Mr. Louembe works on the Association’s policy, membership, marketing, and communications initiatives in these regions. To learn more about INTA’s activities in Africa and the Middle East, please contact Tat-Tienne Louembe at [email protected].

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