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Showing posts with label UAE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UAE. Show all posts
Monday, 19 March 2018
Thursday, 2 February 2017
UAE - seizure of counterfeit car parts in Abu Dhabi in January 2017
A report in Gulf News (here) of a seizure of a large amount of counterfeit car parts in Abu Dhabi in January 2017. The report reads:
"Abu Dhabi: Around 21 truckloads of fake auto spare parts confiscated on a single day by Abu Dhabi officials will be destroyed after completing legal procedures, officials said on Tuesday.
In the largest seizure of fake spare parts in the emirate, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) confiscated more than 500,000 pieces worth Dh15 million on Thursday, officials said at a press conference on Tuesday.
The officials raided a large auto spare parts shop and warehouse owned by an individual in Al Ain on Thursday morning and it took around 20 hours to count the number of seized products, a senior official told Gulf News.
“It was a Herculean task to transport them to ADDED’s warehouse in 21 trucks. They will be destroyed after completing the legal procedures,” said Ahmad Tarish Al Qubaisi, director of Commercial Protection Division at ADDED.
The seizure of fake spare parts of several major global vehicle brands has averted potential threat to the safety of motorists and other road users in the UAE, he said.
Fake spare parts like brake pads can cause fatal road accidents, he said. Many other fake parts like filters may cause fire and explosion in vehicles, said the representatives of automobile companies who were present at the press conference.
The officials did not reveal the identity of the accused dealer whose shop in Al Ain was closed down after the seizure of fake products. A fine and other penalties will be imposed on him after completing the investigations. “We are investigating whether he was doing retail sales or wholesale deals. Wholesale deals will attract heavier penalties,” Al Qubaisi said.
The goods were imported from a foreign country. The officials did not reveal the brand names of the fake products. “We don’t want to cause panic among customers,” they said.
Hatem Abdul Ghani, a legal consultant of automobile dealers in the UAE, told Gulf News that the seized goods were the imitations of almost 15 global brands of vehicles. “Around 50 per cent of them were of a single popular brand.”
The dealer was offering the fake goods at one-third of the price of the original products, he said.
Ali Majid Al Mansouri, ADDED chairman, said the department would continue to check commercial fraud and intensify inspection and field visits in coordination with other stakeholders. These commercial crimes negatively affect the economy of Abu Dhabi and the UAE economy in general, he said.
Khalifa Bin Salem Al Mansouri, ADDED acting undersecretary, said the department’s inspectors have wide legal powers and they regularly visit malls and consumer markets to look for any violations.
Mohammad Munif Al Mansouri, acting executive director of the ADDED’s Abu Dhabi Business Centre (ADBC), highlighted the cooperation of trademark owners of spare parts in the seizure of goods from one of the biggest warehouses in Al Ain city.
21 truckloads of goods confiscated
500,000 pieces of fake spare parts
Dh15 million is the value of fake spare parts
Report fake products
Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has urged consumers to report fake products to the department by calling the toll-free number 800555.“We advise consumers to always look for original auto spare parts and never compromise your safety by buying cheaper fake products,” the ADDED officials said. They said buying the product from authorised dealers is the only way to ensure its genuineness. It is difficult for a consumer to distinguish between original and fake products. Even authorised dealers often find it hard to do so because counterfeiters have become smarter these days, they said."
"Abu Dhabi: Around 21 truckloads of fake auto spare parts confiscated on a single day by Abu Dhabi officials will be destroyed after completing legal procedures, officials said on Tuesday.
In the largest seizure of fake spare parts in the emirate, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) confiscated more than 500,000 pieces worth Dh15 million on Thursday, officials said at a press conference on Tuesday.
The officials raided a large auto spare parts shop and warehouse owned by an individual in Al Ain on Thursday morning and it took around 20 hours to count the number of seized products, a senior official told Gulf News.
“It was a Herculean task to transport them to ADDED’s warehouse in 21 trucks. They will be destroyed after completing the legal procedures,” said Ahmad Tarish Al Qubaisi, director of Commercial Protection Division at ADDED.
The seizure of fake spare parts of several major global vehicle brands has averted potential threat to the safety of motorists and other road users in the UAE, he said.
Fake spare parts like brake pads can cause fatal road accidents, he said. Many other fake parts like filters may cause fire and explosion in vehicles, said the representatives of automobile companies who were present at the press conference.
The officials did not reveal the identity of the accused dealer whose shop in Al Ain was closed down after the seizure of fake products. A fine and other penalties will be imposed on him after completing the investigations. “We are investigating whether he was doing retail sales or wholesale deals. Wholesale deals will attract heavier penalties,” Al Qubaisi said.
The goods were imported from a foreign country. The officials did not reveal the brand names of the fake products. “We don’t want to cause panic among customers,” they said.
Hatem Abdul Ghani, a legal consultant of automobile dealers in the UAE, told Gulf News that the seized goods were the imitations of almost 15 global brands of vehicles. “Around 50 per cent of them were of a single popular brand.”
The dealer was offering the fake goods at one-third of the price of the original products, he said.
Ali Majid Al Mansouri, ADDED chairman, said the department would continue to check commercial fraud and intensify inspection and field visits in coordination with other stakeholders. These commercial crimes negatively affect the economy of Abu Dhabi and the UAE economy in general, he said.
Khalifa Bin Salem Al Mansouri, ADDED acting undersecretary, said the department’s inspectors have wide legal powers and they regularly visit malls and consumer markets to look for any violations.
Mohammad Munif Al Mansouri, acting executive director of the ADDED’s Abu Dhabi Business Centre (ADBC), highlighted the cooperation of trademark owners of spare parts in the seizure of goods from one of the biggest warehouses in Al Ain city.
21 truckloads of goods confiscated
500,000 pieces of fake spare parts
Dh15 million is the value of fake spare parts
Report fake products
Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has urged consumers to report fake products to the department by calling the toll-free number 800555.“We advise consumers to always look for original auto spare parts and never compromise your safety by buying cheaper fake products,” the ADDED officials said. They said buying the product from authorised dealers is the only way to ensure its genuineness. It is difficult for a consumer to distinguish between original and fake products. Even authorised dealers often find it hard to do so because counterfeiters have become smarter these days, they said."
GCC Patent Office - summary of practice
Good friends Saba have published a useful summary of the GCC Patent Office in their January 2017 newsletter (available here). They say:
"With increasing official or government fees across the board relating to Intellectual Property procurement, regional offices can provide a more cost effective alternative when available. Patent attorneys and law firms worldwide are aware of the European Patent Office (EPO) and in most cases of the Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO). Possibly due to the lag in emergence and development of certain regions, other regional patent offices are less known and utilized, namely, the GCC Patent Office (GCCPO). In this report, we will discuss the GCCPO in more details.
History and Statistics
The GCCPO, as its name indicates, is the regional office for patent protection in the six GCC member countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The GCCPO is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and is independent from the Saudi Patent Office, which is also based in the same city.
The GCC Patent Law was introduced in 1992. The first GCC patent application was filed in 1998 and the law was amended in 1999. The related implementing regulations were issued in 2000.
According to the statistics available on the GCCPO website, and as of the end of 2015, approximately 30,000 patent applications have been filed since 1998. Of these, approximately 16,000 applications have been examined and completed and approximately 14,000 are pending, i.e. under formal examination, under substantive examination or other.
As of the end of 2015, 3,992 patents have been granted and issued in various fields. This means that roughly 12,000 applications have been rejected, cancelled or abandoned for various reasons.
Filing a GCC Patent Application
The GCCPO accepts applications from all over the world. Most foreign applications claim a 12 month priority, similar to a Paris Convention filing, albeit the GCCPO is not a member of the Paris Convention as stated in the table in the introduction.
According to the statistics published by the GCCPO, the top 5 filers between the years 2011 and 2015 are, in decreasing order: USA, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Netherlands and Germany.
The GCCPO is an electronic filing office. All requests, notifications and documents are managed electronically via the GCCPO portal. The following documents, in addition to the disclosure (i.e. title, abstract, description, claims and figures) are required: a legalized POA; a legalized DOA; and a certified copy of he claimed priorities.
Legalization of the above listed documents may be made up to the Consulate of any of the 6 member states. All the supporting documents may be submitted within 90 days from the filing date. These documents are submitted electronically, as color scans, while the original paper documents have to be maintained in a safe place in case the need arises to re-scan for quality reasons or for actual submission if requested by the patent office.
In addition to these supporting documents, a complete Arabic translation of the disclosure is required, and required to be submitted at the time of filing. The translation has to be provided according to the formatting and requirements of the regulations, i.e. paper size, margin size, etc.
In case the formal requirements are not all met in a timely fashion, the application will be cancelled and a notification to the same will be issued, roughly within a year or so. There is no provision in the regulations for requesting an extension of time at any stage during the prosecution of a GCC patent application.
If all the requirements are met, the application then moves into substantive examination.
Substantive Examination
Substantive examination has to be requested and the related fees settled within 90 days from issuance of the notification to do so by the patent office. This notification is usually issued after 2 years from filing, depending on the backlog. The GCCPO has been accelerating examination lately.
While the GCCPO examines many of the applications, a number of the application is examined by the Chinese Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) and to a lesser extent, the Austrian Patent Office.
Once started, examination is relatively rapid and depending on the reply to the office actions, a decision may be issued within months from the date of last response.
A favorable decision will result in the grant and publication of the application, which then becomes open to opposition for a period of 90 days. If no opposition is filed, then the patent is issued and may be enforced in all 6 GCC countries without the need for validation.
Patent Maintenance
As is the case in practically all patent systems in the world, the patent term for a GCC patent is 20 years, calculated from the filing year. This part sometimes gets confusing as the calculations are not based on the filing date or priority date as one would expect.
Annuities are due in the first quarter of each year following the filing year. In other words, annuities should be settled between January 1 and March 31 of each year, with a grace period until June 30 with a penalty fee. As an example, for an application filed on any day in 2016, the 1st annuity is due between January 1 and march 31 of 2017. Subsequent annuities are due similarly.
An interesting provision with regards to annuities for GCC patent applications is that after the 4th year, and in case the patent has not granted yet, the patentee is exempt from paying the annuities. Upon grant, the back-annuities will then have to be settled in order to proceed with the issuance.
Enforcement
A GCC patent can be asserted and enforced in all 6 GCC countries. In case of a suspected infringement or actual infringement in any one of the 6 countries, legal action may be taken and the GCC patent used to support the plaintiff’s case.
The competent court for taking such an action will be the competent judicial authority in the country where the infringement is taking place. There isn’t a unified court for the GCC patent system, at least not yet.
Currently, there are no specialized courts in the GCC countries. IP litigations are handled in the courts of first instances or civil courts whichever is applicable, with the exception of Saudi Arabia. The courts have appointed sworn experts who will provide an opinion during patent litigation cases.
In Saudi Arabia, the competent authority is the Committee which is composed of three law specialists and two technical experts. Decisions of the Committee shall be issued by majority vote. An appeal against any decision issued by the Committee may be brought before the Board of Grievances.
In closing
Needless to state, and in the interest of not losing the readers, many details relating to the sections above have been omitted. Nevertheless, the main points and ideas have been introduced and presented.
Simply by looking at various statistics related to the region, there is no doubt of the growth this particular area of the Middle East has experienced over the past decade and is expected to maintain a sturdy growth for the coming years. Investments for the development of various industries as well as in innovation can be seen in the two largest economies of the GCC, namely Saudi Arabia and the UAE; but also in Qatar and Oman and to a lesser extent in Bahrain and Kuwait.
The region has drawn the attention of all major global players as attested by the diversified patents and patentees and from where we stand, we have witnessed a continuous growth that is not abetting yet. The region is putting its mark in the international community and is well on its way to becoming a major player in the global economy. Should you have any questions, or require any additional information, please contact us at news@sabaip.com"
"With increasing official or government fees across the board relating to Intellectual Property procurement, regional offices can provide a more cost effective alternative when available. Patent attorneys and law firms worldwide are aware of the European Patent Office (EPO) and in most cases of the Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO). Possibly due to the lag in emergence and development of certain regions, other regional patent offices are less known and utilized, namely, the GCC Patent Office (GCCPO). In this report, we will discuss the GCCPO in more details.
History and Statistics
The GCCPO, as its name indicates, is the regional office for patent protection in the six GCC member countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The GCCPO is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and is independent from the Saudi Patent Office, which is also based in the same city.
The GCC Patent Law was introduced in 1992. The first GCC patent application was filed in 1998 and the law was amended in 1999. The related implementing regulations were issued in 2000.
According to the statistics available on the GCCPO website, and as of the end of 2015, approximately 30,000 patent applications have been filed since 1998. Of these, approximately 16,000 applications have been examined and completed and approximately 14,000 are pending, i.e. under formal examination, under substantive examination or other.
As of the end of 2015, 3,992 patents have been granted and issued in various fields. This means that roughly 12,000 applications have been rejected, cancelled or abandoned for various reasons.
Filing a GCC Patent Application
The GCCPO accepts applications from all over the world. Most foreign applications claim a 12 month priority, similar to a Paris Convention filing, albeit the GCCPO is not a member of the Paris Convention as stated in the table in the introduction.
According to the statistics published by the GCCPO, the top 5 filers between the years 2011 and 2015 are, in decreasing order: USA, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Netherlands and Germany.
The GCCPO is an electronic filing office. All requests, notifications and documents are managed electronically via the GCCPO portal. The following documents, in addition to the disclosure (i.e. title, abstract, description, claims and figures) are required: a legalized POA; a legalized DOA; and a certified copy of he claimed priorities.
Legalization of the above listed documents may be made up to the Consulate of any of the 6 member states. All the supporting documents may be submitted within 90 days from the filing date. These documents are submitted electronically, as color scans, while the original paper documents have to be maintained in a safe place in case the need arises to re-scan for quality reasons or for actual submission if requested by the patent office.
In addition to these supporting documents, a complete Arabic translation of the disclosure is required, and required to be submitted at the time of filing. The translation has to be provided according to the formatting and requirements of the regulations, i.e. paper size, margin size, etc.
In case the formal requirements are not all met in a timely fashion, the application will be cancelled and a notification to the same will be issued, roughly within a year or so. There is no provision in the regulations for requesting an extension of time at any stage during the prosecution of a GCC patent application.
If all the requirements are met, the application then moves into substantive examination.
Substantive Examination
Substantive examination has to be requested and the related fees settled within 90 days from issuance of the notification to do so by the patent office. This notification is usually issued after 2 years from filing, depending on the backlog. The GCCPO has been accelerating examination lately.
While the GCCPO examines many of the applications, a number of the application is examined by the Chinese Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) and to a lesser extent, the Austrian Patent Office.
Once started, examination is relatively rapid and depending on the reply to the office actions, a decision may be issued within months from the date of last response.
A favorable decision will result in the grant and publication of the application, which then becomes open to opposition for a period of 90 days. If no opposition is filed, then the patent is issued and may be enforced in all 6 GCC countries without the need for validation.
Patent Maintenance
As is the case in practically all patent systems in the world, the patent term for a GCC patent is 20 years, calculated from the filing year. This part sometimes gets confusing as the calculations are not based on the filing date or priority date as one would expect.
Annuities are due in the first quarter of each year following the filing year. In other words, annuities should be settled between January 1 and March 31 of each year, with a grace period until June 30 with a penalty fee. As an example, for an application filed on any day in 2016, the 1st annuity is due between January 1 and march 31 of 2017. Subsequent annuities are due similarly.
An interesting provision with regards to annuities for GCC patent applications is that after the 4th year, and in case the patent has not granted yet, the patentee is exempt from paying the annuities. Upon grant, the back-annuities will then have to be settled in order to proceed with the issuance.
Enforcement
A GCC patent can be asserted and enforced in all 6 GCC countries. In case of a suspected infringement or actual infringement in any one of the 6 countries, legal action may be taken and the GCC patent used to support the plaintiff’s case.
The competent court for taking such an action will be the competent judicial authority in the country where the infringement is taking place. There isn’t a unified court for the GCC patent system, at least not yet.
Currently, there are no specialized courts in the GCC countries. IP litigations are handled in the courts of first instances or civil courts whichever is applicable, with the exception of Saudi Arabia. The courts have appointed sworn experts who will provide an opinion during patent litigation cases.
In Saudi Arabia, the competent authority is the Committee which is composed of three law specialists and two technical experts. Decisions of the Committee shall be issued by majority vote. An appeal against any decision issued by the Committee may be brought before the Board of Grievances.
In closing
Needless to state, and in the interest of not losing the readers, many details relating to the sections above have been omitted. Nevertheless, the main points and ideas have been introduced and presented.
Simply by looking at various statistics related to the region, there is no doubt of the growth this particular area of the Middle East has experienced over the past decade and is expected to maintain a sturdy growth for the coming years. Investments for the development of various industries as well as in innovation can be seen in the two largest economies of the GCC, namely Saudi Arabia and the UAE; but also in Qatar and Oman and to a lesser extent in Bahrain and Kuwait.
The region has drawn the attention of all major global players as attested by the diversified patents and patentees and from where we stand, we have witnessed a continuous growth that is not abetting yet. The region is putting its mark in the international community and is well on its way to becoming a major player in the global economy. Should you have any questions, or require any additional information, please contact us at news@sabaip.com"
Monday, 19 September 2016
UAE - administrative enforcement in Ras Al Khaimah
News from Khaleej Times (here) of enforcement by the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Department in September 2016. The news is that the Economic Department in Ras Al Khaimah are taking action against counterfeit products being sold in a shopping centre, rather than the quantity of goods seized.
Thursday, 30 June 2016
UAE - the pirate registration of a well known mark can be cancelled even after five years of use by the owner of the registration
News on the World Trademark Review website today of an article by Al Tamimi in which they report a case in which the Courts of First Instance, Appeal and Cassation all confirmed that the pirate registration of an internationally well known mark may be cancelled even after local use of the mark continuously for at least five years.
The Article is available here.
The Article is available here.
Tuesday, 28 June 2016
Sunday, 26 June 2016
UAE - enforcement in Abu Dhabi so far in 2016 (part 2)
Further to the earlier report (here) of enforcement in Abu Dhabi in 2016, further news from Khaleej Times (here). Of particular interested to this part of the Empty Quarter during this Holy month is that the ADDED has "contributed to the UAE Red Crescent's charity project 'Preserving the Blessing' by donating 10,173 pieces of clothes and shoes, 102 grams of gold and Dh129,960 earned from recycling some of the seized goods."
The full article says:"Abu Dhabi will impose heavy fines on businesses that are involved in commercial fraud by selling fake products. In more serious cases, it could even result in the closure of such business.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (Added) will introduce a number of measures and penalties based on law No (2) of 2009 on the establishment of Added and Resolution No 25 on the regulation of economic activities and licence issuance.
"These authorise the Added to impose penalties that can even reach the closure of any establishment that is involved in commercial fraud," said Mohammed Munif Al Mansouri, acting executive director of Abu Dhabi Business Centre.
He was commenting on the joint raids carried out by the Added in cooperation with the municipalities of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region, Abu Dhabi Police, the Food Control Authority, Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council and the Waste Management Centre.
The Added destroyed 165,000 counterfeit and fake items seized during raids in recent months. The destroyed goods included clothes, shoes, accessories, cosmetics and haircare products, electronics, telephone and mobile phones, tobacco, food products, auto parts accessories, intellectual property works, sanitary items, building materials, medicines, games and gifts.
The Added has contributed to the UAE Red Crescent's charity project 'Preserving the Blessing' by donating 10,173 pieces of clothes and shoes, 102 grams of gold and Dh129,960 earned from recycling some of the seized goods.
Al Mansouri said his department is committed to continue its efforts to combat trading in counterfeit and fraudulent goods and to confiscate them across the emirate of Abu Dhabi through raids.
Al Mansouri commended the efforts of government stakeholders who took part in these raids along with Added inspectors in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region.
The raids have revealed several malpractices and techniques followed by storekeepers.
He said these raids come as part of an annual plan carried out this year by the Added to combat commercial fraud in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. He stressed the commitment of the Added to protect commercial activities across all sectors, especially those that are directly involved with consumers.
He called on consumers and trademark owners in the emirate of Abu Dhabi to contact the Added on the toll-free number (800555) to report any outlets or persons carrying out commercial fraud."
The full article says:"Abu Dhabi will impose heavy fines on businesses that are involved in commercial fraud by selling fake products. In more serious cases, it could even result in the closure of such business.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (Added) will introduce a number of measures and penalties based on law No (2) of 2009 on the establishment of Added and Resolution No 25 on the regulation of economic activities and licence issuance.
"These authorise the Added to impose penalties that can even reach the closure of any establishment that is involved in commercial fraud," said Mohammed Munif Al Mansouri, acting executive director of Abu Dhabi Business Centre.
He was commenting on the joint raids carried out by the Added in cooperation with the municipalities of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region, Abu Dhabi Police, the Food Control Authority, Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council and the Waste Management Centre.
The Added destroyed 165,000 counterfeit and fake items seized during raids in recent months. The destroyed goods included clothes, shoes, accessories, cosmetics and haircare products, electronics, telephone and mobile phones, tobacco, food products, auto parts accessories, intellectual property works, sanitary items, building materials, medicines, games and gifts.
The Added has contributed to the UAE Red Crescent's charity project 'Preserving the Blessing' by donating 10,173 pieces of clothes and shoes, 102 grams of gold and Dh129,960 earned from recycling some of the seized goods.
Al Mansouri said his department is committed to continue its efforts to combat trading in counterfeit and fraudulent goods and to confiscate them across the emirate of Abu Dhabi through raids.
Al Mansouri commended the efforts of government stakeholders who took part in these raids along with Added inspectors in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region.
The raids have revealed several malpractices and techniques followed by storekeepers.
He said these raids come as part of an annual plan carried out this year by the Added to combat commercial fraud in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. He stressed the commitment of the Added to protect commercial activities across all sectors, especially those that are directly involved with consumers.
He called on consumers and trademark owners in the emirate of Abu Dhabi to contact the Added on the toll-free number (800555) to report any outlets or persons carrying out commercial fraud."
Saturday, 18 June 2016
UAE - UAEU licences patents to US pharma business
News in Gulf News (here) of the licensing of four patents to US pharma business, BioLegend.
The report reads: "UAE University (UAEU) has signed a licensing agreement with global US-based pharmaceutical company BioLegend, which will see four of the university’s developed patents being used to help detect Parkinson’s disease, an official from the university told Gulf News.
The development is a big step in line with UAE’s vision of a knowledge-based economy, and also sends a positive message on the contributions that can be made from the Arab world in the fields of science and medicine.
“Researchers from our College of Medicine have been working for 10 years on developing a new method to diagnose Parkinson’s disease using antibodies that were produced in our laboratories. After successful research results, we filed a patent for our findings, with a lot of companies around the world showing interest in our studies,” said Mohammad Al Hemairy, head of Patents and Technology Transfer at UAEU.
“BioLegend is a multinational pharmaceutical company that is working to manufacture therapeutic and diagnostic tools for neurology diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzhemiers among others. We entered discussions and negotiations with them for over a year until we reached terms that we both agreed on.
“The agreement grants BioLegend access to our intellectual property and patents for the next 10 years — allowing them to utilise our research findings to develop a commercial product for the market,” Al Hemairy added.
Commenting on the specifics of the research findings and the antibodies they produced, Al Hemairy said: “In simple terms, these antibodies have features that able them to carry messages to the nerve cells in the brain, after which they will form a cluster. This cluster can then be detected by a CT scan, which will allow doctors to identify the affected cells that are being damaged by Parkinson’s.”
Al Hemairy spoke positively on the magnitude of the patent agreements with BioLegend, and said it sets a new precedent for the university and the UAE.
“This is something very unique and novel — here we have a major company like BioLegend, who are based in the US and are worth billions of dollars, coming and seeking knowledge from the UAE,” he said.
“We have produced a technology that we are exporting to the outside world. We are contributing towards resolving and finding a diagnosis that is very much needed, and so there is a humanitarian dimension and benefit to what we are doing,” he added.
Speaking on the time frame for the planned commercialisation of the patents by BioLegend, Al Hemairy said that it would take roughly 18 months.
“Before BioLegend can send it to the manufacturing stage, there needs to be some tests for proof of concept — this is to basically prove that the findings do work and are safe to be used. After this is done, they will get the approval from the US Food and Drug Administration to manufacture the medication and drug,” said Al Hemairy.""
The report reads: "UAE University (UAEU) has signed a licensing agreement with global US-based pharmaceutical company BioLegend, which will see four of the university’s developed patents being used to help detect Parkinson’s disease, an official from the university told Gulf News.
The development is a big step in line with UAE’s vision of a knowledge-based economy, and also sends a positive message on the contributions that can be made from the Arab world in the fields of science and medicine.
“Researchers from our College of Medicine have been working for 10 years on developing a new method to diagnose Parkinson’s disease using antibodies that were produced in our laboratories. After successful research results, we filed a patent for our findings, with a lot of companies around the world showing interest in our studies,” said Mohammad Al Hemairy, head of Patents and Technology Transfer at UAEU.
“BioLegend is a multinational pharmaceutical company that is working to manufacture therapeutic and diagnostic tools for neurology diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzhemiers among others. We entered discussions and negotiations with them for over a year until we reached terms that we both agreed on.
“The agreement grants BioLegend access to our intellectual property and patents for the next 10 years — allowing them to utilise our research findings to develop a commercial product for the market,” Al Hemairy added.
Commenting on the specifics of the research findings and the antibodies they produced, Al Hemairy said: “In simple terms, these antibodies have features that able them to carry messages to the nerve cells in the brain, after which they will form a cluster. This cluster can then be detected by a CT scan, which will allow doctors to identify the affected cells that are being damaged by Parkinson’s.”
Al Hemairy spoke positively on the magnitude of the patent agreements with BioLegend, and said it sets a new precedent for the university and the UAE.
“This is something very unique and novel — here we have a major company like BioLegend, who are based in the US and are worth billions of dollars, coming and seeking knowledge from the UAE,” he said.
“We have produced a technology that we are exporting to the outside world. We are contributing towards resolving and finding a diagnosis that is very much needed, and so there is a humanitarian dimension and benefit to what we are doing,” he added.
Speaking on the time frame for the planned commercialisation of the patents by BioLegend, Al Hemairy said that it would take roughly 18 months.
“Before BioLegend can send it to the manufacturing stage, there needs to be some tests for proof of concept — this is to basically prove that the findings do work and are safe to be used. After this is done, they will get the approval from the US Food and Drug Administration to manufacture the medication and drug,” said Al Hemairy.""
Tuesday, 7 June 2016
UAE - Dubai Customs detains 54 shipments in first 3 months of 2016
This is a belated report of news from Emirates 24/7 (here) that in April 2016 Dubai Customs reported that they had detained 54 shipments of counterfeit goods in the first quarter of 2016. The report reads:
"Dubai has intensified its campaign against intellectual property right (IPR) infringements during the first quarter of this year.
According to Dubai Customs’ figures released today, 135 seizures of IPR infringing goods worth Dh16.8 million were made last year while in the first quarter of this year, 54 seizures were made at a value of Dh34.5 million.
Abdullah Al Khaja, Executive Director of Customer Management Division at Dubai Customs, said: “You can only imagine the health and economic impacts if these goods went into our markets… The protection of intellectual property rights is gaining a lot of momentum in the UAE, to keep pace with the progress in creative industries.”
Speaking on the occasion of World IP Day 2016, Khaja said: “A report estimated that the growing impact of digital piracy could add up to £215 billion in lost revenue globally, while in the Mena region, losses in revenue due to digital piracy amount to over £750 million every year."
"Dubai has intensified its campaign against intellectual property right (IPR) infringements during the first quarter of this year.
According to Dubai Customs’ figures released today, 135 seizures of IPR infringing goods worth Dh16.8 million were made last year while in the first quarter of this year, 54 seizures were made at a value of Dh34.5 million.
Abdullah Al Khaja, Executive Director of Customer Management Division at Dubai Customs, said: “You can only imagine the health and economic impacts if these goods went into our markets… The protection of intellectual property rights is gaining a lot of momentum in the UAE, to keep pace with the progress in creative industries.”
Speaking on the occasion of World IP Day 2016, Khaja said: “A report estimated that the growing impact of digital piracy could add up to £215 billion in lost revenue globally, while in the Mena region, losses in revenue due to digital piracy amount to over £750 million every year."
Monday, 6 June 2016
Korea to support the UAE Ministry of Economy's industrial property program
New from various sources of the signing of three MoUs between the UAe and South Korea. One of the MoUs deals with support of the UAE Ministry of Economy by the Korean Intellectual Property Office.
Khaleej Times (here) reports:
"......The most significant outcome of the committee meeting was the signing of three key memorandums of understanding (MoUs).....Another MoU involves the secondment of IT experts from the Korean Intellectual Property Office (Kipo) to the UAE Ministry of Economy in line with the latter's programme for industrial property......Participants discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in key sectors, including...intellectual property rights..."
Gulfbase.com (here) reports:
"The UAE Ministry of Economy has launched a work plan for developing its Industrial Property sector at various levels in cooperation with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) and the Korea Institute of Patent Information (KIPI). The move follows up on the MOU signed by the Ministry and Korea during the UAE-Korea Joint Economic Committee Meeting concluded recently in Abu Dhabi.
The work plan forms part of the Ministry of Economy’s preparations for establishing its ‘International Centre for Registration of Patents’ as well as the implementation of the recommendations of the UAE’s Ministerial Development Council presented in early May 2016.
In line with the plan, a delegation from the Ministry headed by Eng. Mohammed Bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehhi, Undersecretary of Economic Affairs, and accompanied by Dr Ali Al-Hosni, Assistant Under-Secretary for Intellectual Property Affairs, and Khalfan Al Suwaidi, Industrial Property Director, visited the Republic of South Korea last month. The group met KIPO representatives and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in developing Ministry procedures related to industrial property and to prepare a programme for the automation of industrial property applications as stipulated in the MoU signed between the two countries during the latest UAE-Korea Economic Joint Committee meeting.
The agreement with the KIPO includes dedicating IT experts at the Ministry for the automation of the industrial property applications project and providing consultation, training and technical support for the automated system. The two parties also agreed that the KIPO and KIPI will provide consultations and suggestions on the development of related regulations.
Al Shehhi said that the plan is part of the Ministry’s efforts to further develop national industries and create an environment conducive to innovation as well as the protection of intellectual property rights in the sector."
Khaleej Times (here) reports:
"......The most significant outcome of the committee meeting was the signing of three key memorandums of understanding (MoUs).....Another MoU involves the secondment of IT experts from the Korean Intellectual Property Office (Kipo) to the UAE Ministry of Economy in line with the latter's programme for industrial property......Participants discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in key sectors, including...intellectual property rights..."
Gulfbase.com (here) reports:
"The UAE Ministry of Economy has launched a work plan for developing its Industrial Property sector at various levels in cooperation with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) and the Korea Institute of Patent Information (KIPI). The move follows up on the MOU signed by the Ministry and Korea during the UAE-Korea Joint Economic Committee Meeting concluded recently in Abu Dhabi.
The work plan forms part of the Ministry of Economy’s preparations for establishing its ‘International Centre for Registration of Patents’ as well as the implementation of the recommendations of the UAE’s Ministerial Development Council presented in early May 2016.
In line with the plan, a delegation from the Ministry headed by Eng. Mohammed Bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehhi, Undersecretary of Economic Affairs, and accompanied by Dr Ali Al-Hosni, Assistant Under-Secretary for Intellectual Property Affairs, and Khalfan Al Suwaidi, Industrial Property Director, visited the Republic of South Korea last month. The group met KIPO representatives and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in developing Ministry procedures related to industrial property and to prepare a programme for the automation of industrial property applications as stipulated in the MoU signed between the two countries during the latest UAE-Korea Economic Joint Committee meeting.
The agreement with the KIPO includes dedicating IT experts at the Ministry for the automation of the industrial property applications project and providing consultation, training and technical support for the automated system. The two parties also agreed that the KIPO and KIPI will provide consultations and suggestions on the development of related regulations.
Al Shehhi said that the plan is part of the Ministry’s efforts to further develop national industries and create an environment conducive to innovation as well as the protection of intellectual property rights in the sector."
UAE - enforcement in Abu Dhabi so far in 2016
News from a report in Emirates 24/7 (here) of enforcement by the Abu Dhabi Department for Economic Development so far in 2016. The report reads:
"Over 200,000 fakes seized in Abu Dhabi
ADDED launched 247 inspection raids, issued 1555 fines
Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development’s Abu Dhabi Business Center (ADBC) conducted 247 inspection raids in outlets and commercial establishments in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region in the first quarter of 2016, and confiscated 200,428 counterfeit products. These included auto spare parts, electronic devices, clothes, accessories, beauty products and other items.
In it’s Q1, 2016 report, ADDED’s Commercial Protection Division said the raid resulted in issuing 1,555 fines against outlets and establishments that violated laws and regulations of practising business activity in some sectors across the Abu Dhabi.
Seven stores were closed for non-compliance with the emirate’s business practice laws and regulations.
According to the report, 33,164 field visits were conducted to Abu Dhabi’s stores and establishments in Q1 of 2016.
In the same period, the Commercial Protection Division received 945 complaints from consumers and trade mark owners about wrong or illegal practices by some businesses, street vendors and others.
Consumer awareness during Ramadan
Khalifa bin Salem Al Mansouri, ADDED Acting Undersecretary, stressed the ADDED commitment to trace and eliminate all negative practices that will affect the performance of the business environment in Abu Dhabi. He lauded the role of ADDED’s strategic partners across government, semi-government and private sectors in helping the authority achieve its strategic goals of establishing a competitive business environment in the emirate.
During the month of Ramadan, ADDED conducts inspection visits to vegetable and fruit markets, livestock markets and other outlets across the three regions of the emirate in coordination with the Ministry of Economy, he said and added that ADDED also distributes pamphlets to raise consumer awareness during Ramadan.
He called on the public in Abu Dhabi to report any violations to competent bodies, especially ADDED as it is responsible for the regulation of commercial activities in the emirate in coordination with other stakeholders.
Al Mansouri stressed that in line with its endeavours to promote its role in the field of commercial protection in Abu Dhabi, ADDED has initiated procedures to enforce laws of competition and intellectual property protection, to develop electronic platforms to receive consumer complaints, to launch awareness campaigns to ensure consumer rights and protection and to enforce governance mechanisms along with strategic partners in the field of consumer protection.
"The ADDED is now implementing a number of strategic commercial protection projects in cooperation with relevant government partners in the emirate, including the establishment of a consumer protection center, market monitoring, restructuring the retail sector like supermarkets, geographic coding, mobile truck vending, eliminating nominal or mock trade licenses and the provision of the services of the Commercial Protection Division through smart mobile applications.
Raids and complaints
The report also said that 58 inspection raids were conducted in January to trace commercial fraud and combat negative practices in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region. They resulted in confiscating 2,126 electronic devices, clothes and accessories in addition to 234 sheep from street vendors.
There were 88 raids in February, resulting in the seizure of 162,816 items, including counterfeit car spare parts, electronic devices, clothes, accessories, beauty products. Apart from these 27.5 tonnes of vegetables and fruits and 3 tonnes of clothes and household items were also confiscated from street vendors.
In March 101 inspection visits resulted in the confiscation of 35,486 items including car spare parts, electronic devices, clothes, accessories, beauty products as well as 10,220 Kg of vegetables and fruits.
Region-wise, the report noted that the city of Abu Dhabi has seen 19,657 field inspection visits to stores and commercial establishments during the first quarter of 2016. During these visits, 761 fines were issued. The Commercial Protection Division received 490 complaints from customers and trade name owners in the city.
In Al Ain, 8,963 field inspection visits were made to stores and commercial establishments during the same period, in which 707 fines were issued. The Commercial Protection Division received 441 complaints from customers and trade name owners in the Al Ain.
As for the Western Region, 4,544 field inspection visits were conducted in the first quarter, where 87 fines were issued against violators. The Commercial Protection Division received only 19 complaints from customers and trade name owners in the Western Region."
"Over 200,000 fakes seized in Abu Dhabi
ADDED launched 247 inspection raids, issued 1555 fines
Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development’s Abu Dhabi Business Center (ADBC) conducted 247 inspection raids in outlets and commercial establishments in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region in the first quarter of 2016, and confiscated 200,428 counterfeit products. These included auto spare parts, electronic devices, clothes, accessories, beauty products and other items.
In it’s Q1, 2016 report, ADDED’s Commercial Protection Division said the raid resulted in issuing 1,555 fines against outlets and establishments that violated laws and regulations of practising business activity in some sectors across the Abu Dhabi.
Seven stores were closed for non-compliance with the emirate’s business practice laws and regulations.
According to the report, 33,164 field visits were conducted to Abu Dhabi’s stores and establishments in Q1 of 2016.
In the same period, the Commercial Protection Division received 945 complaints from consumers and trade mark owners about wrong or illegal practices by some businesses, street vendors and others.
Consumer awareness during Ramadan
Khalifa bin Salem Al Mansouri, ADDED Acting Undersecretary, stressed the ADDED commitment to trace and eliminate all negative practices that will affect the performance of the business environment in Abu Dhabi. He lauded the role of ADDED’s strategic partners across government, semi-government and private sectors in helping the authority achieve its strategic goals of establishing a competitive business environment in the emirate.
During the month of Ramadan, ADDED conducts inspection visits to vegetable and fruit markets, livestock markets and other outlets across the three regions of the emirate in coordination with the Ministry of Economy, he said and added that ADDED also distributes pamphlets to raise consumer awareness during Ramadan.
He called on the public in Abu Dhabi to report any violations to competent bodies, especially ADDED as it is responsible for the regulation of commercial activities in the emirate in coordination with other stakeholders.
Al Mansouri stressed that in line with its endeavours to promote its role in the field of commercial protection in Abu Dhabi, ADDED has initiated procedures to enforce laws of competition and intellectual property protection, to develop electronic platforms to receive consumer complaints, to launch awareness campaigns to ensure consumer rights and protection and to enforce governance mechanisms along with strategic partners in the field of consumer protection.
"The ADDED is now implementing a number of strategic commercial protection projects in cooperation with relevant government partners in the emirate, including the establishment of a consumer protection center, market monitoring, restructuring the retail sector like supermarkets, geographic coding, mobile truck vending, eliminating nominal or mock trade licenses and the provision of the services of the Commercial Protection Division through smart mobile applications.
Raids and complaints
The report also said that 58 inspection raids were conducted in January to trace commercial fraud and combat negative practices in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region. They resulted in confiscating 2,126 electronic devices, clothes and accessories in addition to 234 sheep from street vendors.
There were 88 raids in February, resulting in the seizure of 162,816 items, including counterfeit car spare parts, electronic devices, clothes, accessories, beauty products. Apart from these 27.5 tonnes of vegetables and fruits and 3 tonnes of clothes and household items were also confiscated from street vendors.
In March 101 inspection visits resulted in the confiscation of 35,486 items including car spare parts, electronic devices, clothes, accessories, beauty products as well as 10,220 Kg of vegetables and fruits.
Region-wise, the report noted that the city of Abu Dhabi has seen 19,657 field inspection visits to stores and commercial establishments during the first quarter of 2016. During these visits, 761 fines were issued. The Commercial Protection Division received 490 complaints from customers and trade name owners in the city.
In Al Ain, 8,963 field inspection visits were made to stores and commercial establishments during the same period, in which 707 fines were issued. The Commercial Protection Division received 441 complaints from customers and trade name owners in the Al Ain.
As for the Western Region, 4,544 field inspection visits were conducted in the first quarter, where 87 fines were issued against violators. The Commercial Protection Division received only 19 complaints from customers and trade name owners in the Western Region."
Good work
Sunday, 29 May 2016
UAE - Youth Council endowment includes advice on Intellectual Property
News from Gulf News (here) of the creation of a new endowment for youth projects which includes, amongst many other benefits, advice on intellectual property. The report reads:
"Dubai: An innovative endowment fund to support youth projects was launched on Tuesday by the UAE Youth Council (UAEYC).
Contributing organisations to the endowment will provide services valued at Dh5 million annually, amounting to endowment assets of Dh63 million.
The endowment will bet set up in cooperation with the Mohammad Bin Rashid Global Centre for Endowment Consultancy (MBRGCEC). Unlike traditional endowments that provide financial assistance, this innovative endowment will also allow contributing organisations to provide additional services.
The project will see the contribution of six organisations: In5 innovation centre, Dubai Technology Entrepreneurship Centre, Impact Hub, UAE Barq, Wamda and a group of lawyers established in compliance with Dubai Chamber’s statute.
In5 centre will be offering endowment services to a group of youth projects, services include providing them with a workspace, meeting halls, production studios and technology labs. It will also offer training programmes.
UAE Barq will offer a media platform to support youth projects, such as providing them with advertisement services to promote their projects to a wide audience by using UAE Barq’s various media channels. Youths will also have access to promotional and counselling services from Wamda in order to boost the success of their business.
The Lawyers work group will offer a legal bundle that include training programmes for youth projects that deal with commercial contracts, franchising, intellectual property, commercial and employee-related issues, as well as commercial arbitration. The group will also allocate consultation hours to answer any legal inquiries posed by youths with business projects and ideas.
Shamma Suhail Faris Al Mazroui, Minister of State for Youth, said that the global vision of the endowment, which was launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, revived the concept of endowments as a tool for developing societies.
Al Mazroui indicated that youth projects are a key pillar for economies of various societies. She pointed out that the cooperation between the UAEYC and MBRGCEC has created an opportunity for the UAE to be one of the top countries in supporting Emirati youths’ projects by using an innovative endowment that will contribute to the UAE’s economic development.
She thanked all organisations who provided innovative endowment-related solutions that contribute to developing an ideal business environment for youth projects. Al Mazroui expressed her confidence in this innovative project, which will have a prominent impact in boosting the success of youth projects."
"Dubai: An innovative endowment fund to support youth projects was launched on Tuesday by the UAE Youth Council (UAEYC).
Contributing organisations to the endowment will provide services valued at Dh5 million annually, amounting to endowment assets of Dh63 million.
The endowment will bet set up in cooperation with the Mohammad Bin Rashid Global Centre for Endowment Consultancy (MBRGCEC). Unlike traditional endowments that provide financial assistance, this innovative endowment will also allow contributing organisations to provide additional services.
The project will see the contribution of six organisations: In5 innovation centre, Dubai Technology Entrepreneurship Centre, Impact Hub, UAE Barq, Wamda and a group of lawyers established in compliance with Dubai Chamber’s statute.
In5 centre will be offering endowment services to a group of youth projects, services include providing them with a workspace, meeting halls, production studios and technology labs. It will also offer training programmes.
UAE Barq will offer a media platform to support youth projects, such as providing them with advertisement services to promote their projects to a wide audience by using UAE Barq’s various media channels. Youths will also have access to promotional and counselling services from Wamda in order to boost the success of their business.
The Lawyers work group will offer a legal bundle that include training programmes for youth projects that deal with commercial contracts, franchising, intellectual property, commercial and employee-related issues, as well as commercial arbitration. The group will also allocate consultation hours to answer any legal inquiries posed by youths with business projects and ideas.
Shamma Suhail Faris Al Mazroui, Minister of State for Youth, said that the global vision of the endowment, which was launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, revived the concept of endowments as a tool for developing societies.
Al Mazroui indicated that youth projects are a key pillar for economies of various societies. She pointed out that the cooperation between the UAEYC and MBRGCEC has created an opportunity for the UAE to be one of the top countries in supporting Emirati youths’ projects by using an innovative endowment that will contribute to the UAE’s economic development.
She thanked all organisations who provided innovative endowment-related solutions that contribute to developing an ideal business environment for youth projects. Al Mazroui expressed her confidence in this innovative project, which will have a prominent impact in boosting the success of youth projects."
Sunday, 1 May 2016
The UAE and Jordan sign an agreement to enhance joint efforts in SMEs, innovation and R&D
News from WAM (here) and Gulf News (here) of the signing of an agreement between the UAE and Jordan in November 2015. The report on WAM reads:
"The UAE Ministry of Economy and the Jordanian Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supplies, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, envisaging a wide-ranging cooperation between the two countries in the fields of innovation and research, and developing Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs.
The three-year agreement, which consists of 13 clauses aims to build a long-term strategic alliance between the two sides.
The MoU was signed in Amman by Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, and Maha Ali, Jordanian Minister of Industry, Trade and Supplies, during the UAE-Jordan Economic Forum and in the presence of Dr Abdullah Al Nasour, Prime Minister of Jordan.
The MoU reflects the desire of both countries to set up a reciprocally beneficial network of business cooperation for young entrepreneurs running SMEs.
Both countries are also cooperating in the exchange of knowledge and expertise among relevant government departments, including the Jordan Investment Authority and Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation, JEDCO, and equivalent UAE bodies such as the SMEs Council, SME Fund, and the Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
The agreement will look into preparing a work plan to identify further areas of cooperation as well as to encourage government entities, business development centres, and private sector organisations to set up joint projects among SMEs focusing on technological innovation. It will also facilitate access to sources of funding, help SMEs explore viable market opportunities, and enable exchange of information on intellectual property rights pertaining to SMEs in both the UAE and Jordan.
In addition, the agreement will explore the possibility of cooperation for purposes of building networks of communication and brokerage business between important stakeholders involved in innovation initiatives such as companies, academic and research institutions, and business development firms, particularly those involved in the SME sector. The agreement will enable mutual coordination among various government departments to remove the commercial hurdles facing SMEs.
The MoU also envisages closer interaction among government, academic and private sector organisations in both countries on a regular basis, and another key aspect is the inclusion of social responsibility as an integral part of all partnerships developed as a result of this agreement.
Sultan Al Mansouri said that the MoU is consistent with the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and in line with the UAE Cabinet's announcement of 2015 as the UAE Year of Innovation.
He said, "This MoU is part of our efforts to actualise the National Strategy for Innovation that Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, launched last year. The Vice President has stressed the need to deepen cultural innovation nation-wide. This vision reflects the Ministry's own strategy to expedite the process of transition to a knowledge economy based on creativity and innovation in tune with the UAE Vision 2021 that seeks to enhance the country's global competitiveness and economic sustainability." The UAE Minister of Economy pointed out that the importance of the MoU is highlighted with the fact that it focuses on three areas of paramount importance for the country, and they are: Innovation, SMEs and research and development.
He said, "These are areas that form the strategic pivot of the wise leadership?s determination to make the UAE a leader in many fields. Innovation is not a choice, but an imperative for any country trying to consolidate its position in the global economy. The UAE realised this early on and included innovation among its goals as far back as in its Vision 2012." Al Mansouri added, "Last year, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the National Strategy for Innovation. The strategy included 30 initiatives to be implemented in three years. Covering seven sectors - energy, transportation, health, education, technology, water and space. The strategy proposed the setting up of the National Innovation Committee to convene a number of federal entities to work together on the execution of the National Innovation Strategy and to involve the private sector in the drive." Many public sector and private sector organisations have already commenced the establishment of innovation and development centres to organise economic and academic activities focused on innovation.
Al Mansouri went on to point out that SMEs played an important and contributory role in the national economy. "They were integral to the UAE's efforts to achieve sustainable development, and helped enhance the country's global competitiveness, while also supporting its transition to a knowledge economy based on creativity and innovation," he said.
The promotion of SMEs and encouragement of young entrepreneurs is also part of the UAE?s efforts to diversify its economy. SMEs currently constitute 94% of companies operating in the UAE, and contribute around 60% of the country's GDP. The UAE Government is looking to take this figure to 70% by 2021. In this context, strengthening cooperation with other countries with respect to SMEs is crucial to the UAE's economic sustainability objectives.
Also commenting on the agreement, the Jordanian Minister Maha Ali, said, "This MoU is an important bilateral partnership. It will add a new and collaborative dimension to the relations between our countries," confirming that innovation, SMEs and research and development is one of the important sectors of strategic development for both the UAE and Jordan."
"The UAE Ministry of Economy and the Jordanian Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supplies, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, envisaging a wide-ranging cooperation between the two countries in the fields of innovation and research, and developing Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs.
The three-year agreement, which consists of 13 clauses aims to build a long-term strategic alliance between the two sides.
The MoU was signed in Amman by Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, and Maha Ali, Jordanian Minister of Industry, Trade and Supplies, during the UAE-Jordan Economic Forum and in the presence of Dr Abdullah Al Nasour, Prime Minister of Jordan.
The MoU reflects the desire of both countries to set up a reciprocally beneficial network of business cooperation for young entrepreneurs running SMEs.
Both countries are also cooperating in the exchange of knowledge and expertise among relevant government departments, including the Jordan Investment Authority and Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation, JEDCO, and equivalent UAE bodies such as the SMEs Council, SME Fund, and the Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
The agreement will look into preparing a work plan to identify further areas of cooperation as well as to encourage government entities, business development centres, and private sector organisations to set up joint projects among SMEs focusing on technological innovation. It will also facilitate access to sources of funding, help SMEs explore viable market opportunities, and enable exchange of information on intellectual property rights pertaining to SMEs in both the UAE and Jordan.
In addition, the agreement will explore the possibility of cooperation for purposes of building networks of communication and brokerage business between important stakeholders involved in innovation initiatives such as companies, academic and research institutions, and business development firms, particularly those involved in the SME sector. The agreement will enable mutual coordination among various government departments to remove the commercial hurdles facing SMEs.
The MoU also envisages closer interaction among government, academic and private sector organisations in both countries on a regular basis, and another key aspect is the inclusion of social responsibility as an integral part of all partnerships developed as a result of this agreement.
Sultan Al Mansouri said that the MoU is consistent with the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and in line with the UAE Cabinet's announcement of 2015 as the UAE Year of Innovation.
He said, "This MoU is part of our efforts to actualise the National Strategy for Innovation that Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, launched last year. The Vice President has stressed the need to deepen cultural innovation nation-wide. This vision reflects the Ministry's own strategy to expedite the process of transition to a knowledge economy based on creativity and innovation in tune with the UAE Vision 2021 that seeks to enhance the country's global competitiveness and economic sustainability." The UAE Minister of Economy pointed out that the importance of the MoU is highlighted with the fact that it focuses on three areas of paramount importance for the country, and they are: Innovation, SMEs and research and development.
He said, "These are areas that form the strategic pivot of the wise leadership?s determination to make the UAE a leader in many fields. Innovation is not a choice, but an imperative for any country trying to consolidate its position in the global economy. The UAE realised this early on and included innovation among its goals as far back as in its Vision 2012." Al Mansouri added, "Last year, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the National Strategy for Innovation. The strategy included 30 initiatives to be implemented in three years. Covering seven sectors - energy, transportation, health, education, technology, water and space. The strategy proposed the setting up of the National Innovation Committee to convene a number of federal entities to work together on the execution of the National Innovation Strategy and to involve the private sector in the drive." Many public sector and private sector organisations have already commenced the establishment of innovation and development centres to organise economic and academic activities focused on innovation.
Al Mansouri went on to point out that SMEs played an important and contributory role in the national economy. "They were integral to the UAE's efforts to achieve sustainable development, and helped enhance the country's global competitiveness, while also supporting its transition to a knowledge economy based on creativity and innovation," he said.
The promotion of SMEs and encouragement of young entrepreneurs is also part of the UAE?s efforts to diversify its economy. SMEs currently constitute 94% of companies operating in the UAE, and contribute around 60% of the country's GDP. The UAE Government is looking to take this figure to 70% by 2021. In this context, strengthening cooperation with other countries with respect to SMEs is crucial to the UAE's economic sustainability objectives.
Also commenting on the agreement, the Jordanian Minister Maha Ali, said, "This MoU is an important bilateral partnership. It will add a new and collaborative dimension to the relations between our countries," confirming that innovation, SMEs and research and development is one of the important sectors of strategic development for both the UAE and Jordan."
Friday, 29 April 2016
UAE - WIPO domain name decision - osn.ae
News from WIPO (here) of the decision to order the transfer of the osn.ae domain from a local registrant. The local registrant had offered the domain for sale for AED50,000 but did not respond to the complaint.
Thursday, 4 February 2016
UAE - specialist IP circuits to be launched in Federal Courts
News from the Emarat Alyoum website (here in Arabic) of Decision number 137 of 2016 from the Minister of Justice establishing IP circuits in the Federal Courts of the UAE. The report also refers to IP training for the judges in the circuits.
There is a report in English on the Gulf News website (here).
This part of the Empty Quarter is delighted by this news, having long hoped for (and lobbied for in his alternative life) the creation of specialist IP courts in the UAE. This specialist circuits should allow for all IP issues, and particularly more complex issues, to be heard with even greater certainty which will give greater confidence to businesses seeking to invest and innovate in the UAE.
There is a report in English on the Gulf News website (here).
This part of the Empty Quarter is delighted by this news, having long hoped for (and lobbied for in his alternative life) the creation of specialist IP courts in the UAE. This specialist circuits should allow for all IP issues, and particularly more complex issues, to be heard with even greater certainty which will give greater confidence to businesses seeking to invest and innovate in the UAE.
Thursday, 26 November 2015
UAE - OSN tackling TV piracy
There are a number of reports of the same case involving action by OSN resulting in the conviction of an individual in the UAE (Al Arabiya, Al Bawaba, Gulf News).
The defendant was convicted of selling IP888 TV services and sentenced to three months in prison, a fine of DHs50,000 followed by deportation from the UAE. The reports refer to 213 actions across the GCC and Egypt and specifically refer to an increase in the use of IP TV services provided by UKTV Abroad, IP888 TV, Primetimetv.TV, Volka TV, Royal IPTV, GIPTV and Expat TV.
This part of the Empty Quarter feels that these reports are useful warnings to other sellers of the fact that OSN are active and targeting sellers of specific services.
The defendant was convicted of selling IP888 TV services and sentenced to three months in prison, a fine of DHs50,000 followed by deportation from the UAE. The reports refer to 213 actions across the GCC and Egypt and specifically refer to an increase in the use of IP TV services provided by UKTV Abroad, IP888 TV, Primetimetv.TV, Volka TV, Royal IPTV, GIPTV and Expat TV.
This part of the Empty Quarter feels that these reports are useful warnings to other sellers of the fact that OSN are active and targeting sellers of specific services.
Wednesday, 25 November 2015
UAE - launch of US$544 million Innovation Fund
Following on from the various events and announcements (here) relating to the Year of Innovation there are now many reports of a very substantial fund for innovation.
Sheikh Mohammed launches $544M innovation fund announces Al Bawaba (here)
Sheikh Mohammed sets up $544m innovation fund announces Gulf Digital News (here)
Dh2 billion fund to finance innovation projects launched in Dubai announces The National (here)
All the these relate to the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Fund to Finance Innovation.
Sheikh Mohammed launches $544M innovation fund announces Al Bawaba (here)
Sheikh Mohammed sets up $544m innovation fund announces Gulf Digital News (here)
Dh2 billion fund to finance innovation projects launched in Dubai announces The National (here)
All the these relate to the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Fund to Finance Innovation.
Interestingly, all three report that "applicants need to have registered their project as intellectual property and the initial stage of the project must already be established, the Ministry of Finance said.
It will prioritise projects that contribute to the UAE Vision 2021 and in the seven sectors named in the national innovation strategy. They are: renewable energy, transport, education, health, technology, water and space. The pilot phase of the initiative will be launched during the first half of next year followed by the official launch of the Fund’s operations in the second half of 2016. A small fee will be charged for all applications, “and the amount will depend on each individual request”. All projects will be evaluated by a “group of experts in respective areas” for their “effectiveness and practicality”."
It will prioritise projects that contribute to the UAE Vision 2021 and in the seven sectors named in the national innovation strategy. They are: renewable energy, transport, education, health, technology, water and space. The pilot phase of the initiative will be launched during the first half of next year followed by the official launch of the Fund’s operations in the second half of 2016. A small fee will be charged for all applications, “and the amount will depend on each individual request”. All projects will be evaluated by a “group of experts in respective areas” for their “effectiveness and practicality”."
Tuesday, 24 November 2015
UAE - DDED seizes 353,000 fake items worth Dh12 million from 157 flats and warehouses during Q3 2015
A report in the Khaleej Times (here) that the DDED seized a total of 353,000 items worth Dh12 million from 157 flats and warehouses during the third quarter of 2015 according to the Ibrahim Behzad, the director of intellectual property protection at the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DDED)
There were a staggering 1,363 violations following 1,999 inspection visits across the city resulting in detentions of perfumes, cosmetics, vehicle spare parts, mobile phones, leather bags, and watches.
There were a staggering 1,363 violations following 1,999 inspection visits across the city resulting in detentions of perfumes, cosmetics, vehicle spare parts, mobile phones, leather bags, and watches.
UAE - A Year of Innovation, an Innovation Week, an Innovation Index and a lot of money to be invested in innovation
This part of the Empty Quarter has long admired the ability of the United Arab Emirates, and Dubai in particular, to get hold of an idea and make it work. The evidence of this for all to see.
This year is officially the Year of Innovation, in which not much had appeared to have been happening, until this the Innovation Week.
An investment of Dhs300 billion
As with many things UAE we shall start with the biggest announcement from President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, of the adoption of the Emirates Science, Technology and Innovation Higher Policy which includes 100 national initiatives in education, health, energy, transportation, space and water. Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: "Planning a higher policy for the UAE in the fields of science, technology and innovation that includes scientific initiatives, legislative recommendations and clear financial investment is a strategic decision that aims to change the national economy equation to drive it away from depending on limited oil resources. Our aim, as my brother His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has said, "is to celebrate the last oil barrel we export because we will be prepared for that day when it comes."
The plan foresees an investment of over Dhs300 billion to build a vibrant knowledge economy in the UAE.
There are full reports in the Khaleej Times (here), Emirates 24/7 (here), Gulf Today (here), Gulf News (here), and Al Bawaba (here)
Importantly for this part of the Empty Quarter the Policy "includes new legislative frameworks to protect intellectual property and copyrights, attract scientists and researchers to the UAE's academic and research institutions and facilitate the easy movement of advanced scientific equipment and resources into the UAE."
The Innovation Week
Details on the UAE Innovates website (here) of the week long festival of innovation events.
Including, belatedly, details of the Intellectual Property & Technology Transfer Symposium hosted by the United Arab Emirates University details of which can be found here.
Top ranked in the Innovation Index
The Khaleej Times reports here that Dubai ranked top in the latest innovation index among Middle East countries and 16th globally. The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has created with PwC the Dubai Innovation Index as part of the Year of Innovation Innovation Week Of particular interest are the coments that intellectual property emerged as one area for improvement and that professional services turned out to be one of the least innovative sectors in Dubai.
This year is officially the Year of Innovation, in which not much had appeared to have been happening, until this the Innovation Week.
An investment of Dhs300 billion
As with many things UAE we shall start with the biggest announcement from President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, of the adoption of the Emirates Science, Technology and Innovation Higher Policy which includes 100 national initiatives in education, health, energy, transportation, space and water. Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: "Planning a higher policy for the UAE in the fields of science, technology and innovation that includes scientific initiatives, legislative recommendations and clear financial investment is a strategic decision that aims to change the national economy equation to drive it away from depending on limited oil resources. Our aim, as my brother His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has said, "is to celebrate the last oil barrel we export because we will be prepared for that day when it comes."
The plan foresees an investment of over Dhs300 billion to build a vibrant knowledge economy in the UAE.
There are full reports in the Khaleej Times (here), Emirates 24/7 (here), Gulf Today (here), Gulf News (here), and Al Bawaba (here)
Importantly for this part of the Empty Quarter the Policy "includes new legislative frameworks to protect intellectual property and copyrights, attract scientists and researchers to the UAE's academic and research institutions and facilitate the easy movement of advanced scientific equipment and resources into the UAE."
The Innovation Week
Details on the UAE Innovates website (here) of the week long festival of innovation events.
Including, belatedly, details of the Intellectual Property & Technology Transfer Symposium hosted by the United Arab Emirates University details of which can be found here.
Top ranked in the Innovation Index
The Khaleej Times reports here that Dubai ranked top in the latest innovation index among Middle East countries and 16th globally. The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has created with PwC the Dubai Innovation Index as part of the Year of Innovation Innovation Week Of particular interest are the coments that intellectual property emerged as one area for improvement and that professional services turned out to be one of the least innovative sectors in Dubai.
UAE - DDED launches Advisory Board
Reports (Gulf News, Al Bawaba) of the creation of the Intellectual Property Protection Advisory Board by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (the DDED). The Board is to be the voice of rights holders to the DDED. It will be headed by a representative of the DDED and will have members from each industry sector. The Board is to meet every quarter and listen to the feedback and recommendations from the industry representatives on negative practices, if any, and devise strategies to combat them. It will also be involved in sharing of knowledge and best practices in IP protection.
This part of the Empty Quarter understands that the Gulf Brand Protection Group will be actively involved in the Board.
This part of the Empty Quarter understands that the Gulf Brand Protection Group will be actively involved in the Board.
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