Loading...
Loading...
Running from Tuesday, September 23 to Thursday, September 25, the three-day event is organised by the University of Sharjah in cooperation with the Arab Administrative Development Organisation (ARADO) – League of Arab States, the Emirates Intellectual Property Association, and the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology.
The conference aims to discuss and explore the challenges presented by digital technologies and artificial intelligence applications, and their impact on the protection of intellectual property rights. It also focuses on the need to develop both international and national legal frameworks to strengthen this protection and ensure fairness and transparency in the use of intellectual works.
His Excellency Professor Dr Issam Al-Din Ibrahim Ajami, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah (UOS), conveyed the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, to the conference participants. He emphasised the importance of protecting intellectual property in light of rapid global developments in digital technologies and artificial intelligence, which offer a wide range of opportunities for innovation and creativity. He called for unified efforts and global collaboration to address these emerging challenges.
His Excellency highlighted that the UOS, comprising 15 colleges and offering more than 150 accredited academic programs to over 20,000 students from nearly 100 nationalities, continues its role as a leading academic institution in research and innovation. He affirmed that protecting intellectual property rights is fundamental to encouraging talent and creativity and is a key pillar of the knowledge-based economy. He added that, through its Technology Transfer Office, the University is committed to fostering a culture of innovation among faculty members, researchers, and students, ensuring the protection of their intellectual rights, and striving to transform innovations into products that serve the community and contribute to economic development.
He concluded by expressing confidence that the conference’s recommendations will lead to practical and legislative solutions that contribute to building an effective environment for intellectual property protection—balancing creators’ rights with community interests and ensuring the continuity of innovation and creativity in the Arab region.
His Excellency Dr Nasser Al Hatlan Al Qahtani, Director-General of the Arab Administrative Development Organisation (ARADO), League of Arab States, noted that the conference, now in its fourth edition, reflects a shared vision among institutions to enhance the protection of intellectual property rights, building on the success of previous editions. He emphasised ARADO’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with institutions, universities, associations, and stakeholders concerned with intellectual property issues across the Arab world to promote economic and social development. Dr Al Qahtani further noted that digital technologies and artificial intelligence present new challenges to intellectual property laws, necessitating a reevaluation of existing legal principles and frameworks to ensure the protection of startups and innovations.
His Excellency Brigadier General Ibrahim Musabah Al Ajel, Director General of the General Department of Comprehensive Police Stations at Sharjah Police and Board Member of the Emirates Intellectual Property Association, delivered a speech on behalf of Major General Dr Abdul Quddus Al-Obaidli, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Intellectual Property Association and President of the Arab Federation of Intellectual Property. He stated that protecting intellectual property rights forms the foundation for building a thriving knowledge economy and shaping a more innovative future. He emphasised the role of the Association in promoting IP protection through global collaborations, training programs, awareness campaigns, and workshops targeting schools, universities, and institutions in both the public and private sectors.
He added: “We are confident that the insights and recommendations of the conference will represent a qualitative addition to the journey of intellectual property protection in the Arab world, while keeping pace with the rapid changes in the digital environment.”
Following the opening speeches, the ceremony featured a documentary film showcasing the conference’s success story. This was followed by keynote sessions, including a presentation by Jimmy Nguyen, a global blockchain and emerging technology entrepreneur, who addressed monetising startups’ IP rights in the blockchain, AI, and Web 3.0 industries. Another keynote session, presented by Professor Amr Adly, President of the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology, addressed the role of advanced technologies in protecting intellectual property rights and emphasised the importance of fostering an environment of innovation and creativity.
Over three days, the conference features a series of panel discussions with the participation of a distinguished group of experts and specialists in the field of intellectual property from various Arab and foreign countries, as well as university researchers and students. A number of faculty members and deans from the Colleges of Business Administration, Law, Commerce, Engineering, Science, Pharmacy, and Medicine are also taking part. In addition, (28) scientific research and selected papers are being presented throughout the event.
The sessions focus on a range of topics, including ethical considerations in artificial intelligence and intellectual property, the management of copyrights, and the protection of creativity in the face of AI-related challenges. Discussions also explore the role of innovation in the protection, investment, and management of IP through AI-driven technologies.
Other sessions highlight the importance of cooperation between governments and the private sector in enforcing digital intellectual property rights, raising public awareness, and defining the roles of various stakeholders.
The conference also discusses the role of digital platforms and emerging technologies in the enforcement and resolution of intellectual property rights. Key topics include digital transformation strategies, challenges in IP protection, and mechanisms to address these challenges through education and awareness. In addition, the sessions examine intellectual property in the digital financial economy, governance and digital legislation related to IP rights.
For an optimal experience, please
rotate your device to portrait mode.
