Delegation to Dubai Addresses IP Crime, Emerging Technology, and GIs

Last month, INTA CEO Etienne Sanz de Acedo led a delegation to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and delivered a keynote address at the 13th Annual Regional Intellectual Property Crime Conference. Mr. Sanz de Acedo tackled many issues in a speech that aligned with the conference’s theme of “Unlocking the Future,” including the impact of technology on intellectual property (IP) rights, the Association’s advocacy efforts in relation to emerging technologies, and INTA’s recent Board Resolution regarding third-party sales of counterfeit goods via online marketplaces. He concluded by thanking UAE leadership for their work in this important IP hub in the Middle East region.

The delegation, which also included INTA Middle East Consultant Charles Shaban and INTA’s Manager for Member Experience, Catherine Shen, held meetings with HE Dr. Abdelquddoos Al Obeidly, Chairman of the Emirates Intellectual Property Association (EIPA), with whom INTA signed a cooperation agreement last year; HE Dr. Abdelrahman Al Muaini, Ministry of Economy assistant undersecretary for IP; and Mr. Mohammad Al Shahid, CEO of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. The discussions covered various opportunities for cooperation between INTA and UAE officials, the importance of IP curriculums in business schools, and the opportunities and challenges facing the IP community presented by the emergence of artificial intelligence.

On the delegation’s last day in Dubai, INTA held a policy dialogue on geographical indications (GIs) in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy IP Department, providing a working definition of GI, briefing participants on the recent accomplishments of INTA’s GI Committee, and covering other issues such as anticounterfeiting.

INTA’s visit coincided with Gulfood, the world’s largest event for the food and beverage industry, which takes place in Dubai annually. INTA took the opportunity to attend the event as guests and to speak with some of the 5,500+ food and beverage industry brands in attendance about the importance of trademarks and IP rights in general.

At a meeting with the Gulf Brand Protection Group (BPG) Chairperson Malek Hannouf, the delegation learned more about BPG’s role in the training of officials in the region in anticounterfeiting and how INTA can support these efforts.

One of the highlights of the visit was the Pre–Annual Meeting Reception hosted by the firm Taylor Wessing, where those in attendance learned more about the benefits of INTA membership and what to expect at the 2024 Annual Meeting taking place in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, May 18–22.

INTA Consultant Charles Shaban supports the Association’s members across the Middle East and North Africa. In collaboration with the staff at INTA’s headquarters in New York City and Representative Offices around the world, Mr. Shaban 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 INTA Consultant Charles Shaban.

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this article, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.

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