Emirates Intellectual Property Association and World Intellectual Property Organization successfully organize national workshop on arbitration of intellectual property disputes

November 14, 2017- The Emirates Intellectual Property Association (EIPA) successfully concluded today (Tuesday, November 14, 2017), a national workshop covering the arbitration of intellectual property disputes.  The event, which was held in cooperation with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) was aimed towards discussing the significant role being played by arbitration in intellectual property dispute resolution, based on national and international experiences and references. The event was attended by VIPs, government dignitaries, decision-makers and IP experts--all taking part in discussions covering IP dispute resolution, proper arbitration proceedings and standards and the latest developments in arbitration. The workshop reflects EIPA's continuing support for the efforts to position the UAE as one of the best countries in the world in terms of intellectual property protection.

In his opening speech, Brigadier General Mohammad Abdullah Mohammad Al-Murr, Director of Dubai Police's General Department of Human Rights and Vice Chairman of EIPA, emphasized the importance of its collaborative efforts with WIPO in organizing forums, conferences, and interactive workshops to promote intellectual property (IP) rights and bolster the country's comprehensive and sustainable development. He also underscored EIPA's role in supporting local community development and  driving the UAE's transition to a knowledge-driven, diverse and competitive economy through IP rights promotion.

Al-Murr added: "This collaboration with WIPO is part of EIPA’s vision to make the UAE one of the best countries in the world by 2021 in terms of IP rights protection. We highly appreciate its support for our relevant initiatives, including training programs and interactive workshops.  More than 200 participants were  already trained between 2015 and 2016. The national workshop focusing on the resolution of IP-related conflicts serves as one of the most important measures to resolve disputes through streamlined, efficient, and cost-effective proceedings. We are looking forward to continuing our endeavors in providing technical, knowledge, practical, and legal support with an aim of infrastructure improvement to enhance the UAE's global standing."

Erik Wilbers, Director of WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center, Patents and Technology Center in Geneva, commended EIPA’s efforts to promote the UAE's leading position and prestigious reputation to protect IP rights by establishing robust legal and legislative systems according to international agreements and laws.

He added: “The national workshop provided an ideal platform to highlight the latest developments and best practices in international arbitration being one of the key alternative means to resolve IP disputes in a highly effective and smooth way. We are committed to cooperate with EIPA and support its endeavors to raise awareness about new mechanisms to settle disputes through arbitration and alternative channels.”

The two-day workshop held at Dubai Police Officers Club included an overview of the 'WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center' presented by Mr. Wilbers. Another topic in the event was 'Intellectual Property Dispute Resolution in the United Arab Emirates' by Nasser Khasawneh, Managing Partner-Middle East, Eversheds Sutherland, Dubai.

The first day of the workshop focused on 'Intellectual Property Arbitration' and 'The Conduct of Arbitration Proceedings,' while the second day provided the audience with a detailed explanation on 'Interim and Emergency Relief' and 'Drafting Effective Arbitration Clauses and Submission Agreements for Intellectual Property Disputes' as well as the 'Developments in International Arbitration.'