IP is getting more protection: A new integrated intellectual property (IP) framework the Economy Ministry rolled out yesterday will focus on IP protection, reducing violations, dispute resolution, as well as improving and broadening services for patent registration, a press release reads. The system “will be based on AI technology,” Economy Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said at the launch event, without elaborating on which aspects of the system will be AI-driven.

Non-traditional trademarks can be registered as well: Within the new IP framework, companies and individuals can officially register not only traditional trademarks like logos and words, but also more unconventional ones such as sounds, scents, holograms, and geographical indication marks, Khaleej Times reports.

Why this is important: The framework is ultimately looking to encourage more innovation and “support the growth of R&D-based projects, exploit the fruits of intellectual property protection and market them as national exports to foreign markets,” the minister said.

What the system looks like: The framework comprises 11 separate initiatives the Economy Ministry will implement with other government entities, including:

  • An initiative with the Finance Ministry, One DayTM, to streamline the issuance of trademark registration certificates within a single business day
  • A “patent hive” to issue 6k patents by 2026 (up from 5.1k registered patents today);
  • A sports-focused initiative, IP Sport, looking to encourage trademarking within the sector;
  • The InstaBlock initiative, dedicated to addressing livestream copyright infringements and enforcing intellectual property rights protection;
  • The Innovation Hub, an online platform providing technical guidance and patent registration assistance; and
  • An initiative with the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis) to improve Emiratis’ IP skills and create jobs by spurring private sector involvement in innovative fields.
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