ERRA extends worldwide protection for creative works

During the conference, ERRA inked bilateral agreements with copyright management agencies in New Zealand (Copyright Licensing New Zealand - CLNZ) and Australia (Copyright Agency - CA). These agreements seek to broaden cooperation, exchange expertise, and strengthen copyright protection for creative works created in the UAE on a global scale.

Extending protection across borders

The signing of these agreements is a significant step towards extending legal protection for creative works beyond national borders. It gives UAE writers, publishers, and academic institutions better access to worldwide markets while also safeguarding the protection of economic and moral rights in digital and educational environments.

Majd Al Shehi, Director of the Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association (ERRA), emphasised the strategic significance of these agreements, saying, "The signing of these two agreements demonstrates our commitment to empowering Emirati and Arab creators to actively participate in the global creative economy, while protecting their intellectual output in a fast-paced digital world and evolving educational landscape." We feel that developing a robust international network of partnerships is essential for a more sustainable creative ecosystem."

Al Shehi added that these efforts are consistent with the association's vision of being a regional leader in intellectual property management by providing legal licensing frameworks that allow writers, publishers, and educational institutions to share knowledge lawfully, fairly, and sustainably.

ERRA's partnerships with IFRRO and WIPO, which leverage global best practices, reinforce its commitment to transparency, fairness, and international collaboration.

A Milestone in the UAE's Creative Rights Protection

Dr Mohammed Mahmoud Al Kamali, a member of the Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association's (ERRA) Board of Directors, stated that these agreements represent a significant step forward for the association and reflect the UAE's international confidence in copyright protection. He added that worldwide collaboration in copyright management has become critical for ensuring legal system integration and sharing global experience in preserving the rights of authors and publishers.

Al Kamali also stated that the association is actively expanding its international network to assist the UAE's objective of developing the creative economy and making intellectual property protection a cornerstone of long-term cultural growth.

Positioning the UAE as a powerhouse of creativity

ERRA's participation at the IFRRO World Congress is consistent with its objective: to elevate the UAE's status as a leading regional and global centre for creative preservation. The association's strategic international alliances strive to empower creators and promote a knowledge-based and economic environment that values intellectual production and recognises its creators.