The Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority is coming: MPs yesterday gave their preliminary approval to a draft bill establishing the Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority, a public body to strengthen and protect intellectual property rights. “The bill will unify all institutions responsible for protecting intellectual property rights into one agency in line with the constitution and international standards,” read a report from the House’s Education Committee. The draft legislation got cabinet’s approval in November.

Part of a bigger plan: The authority will act as a key part of the Madbouly government’s five-year intellectual property strategy, unveiled last year as part of broader efforts to improve business conditions, strengthen the private sector, and boost innovation. The authority would be tasked with preparing and overseeing the implementation of the strategy, coordinating policy making, and raising awareness of IP rights.

What’s next?The bill will be up for a final vote in an upcoming session.

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