Emirates Intellectual Property Association & Dubai Courts celebrate first graduates of IP diploma course

April 28, 2018: Under the patronage and presence of H.E. Lt General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and Public Security in Dubai, and Honorary Chairman of the Emirates Intellectual Property Association (EIPA), the Association recently celebrated the first batch of ‘Intellectual Property Expert Diploma’ graduates. The program, the first of its kind in the Arab World conducted in cooperation with the Dhahi Khalfan Intellectual Property Center and Dubai Courts, qualifies the skills of Nationals working in the field as part of the EIPA’s efforts to help strengthen the UAE's leading position in intellectual property globally.

The initiative seeks to develop a group of experts accredited in patenting, registered trademarks, copyrights and intellectual property rights, which will take the leadership in enforcing intellectual property laws in accordance with international best practices, following the rapid developments in the UAE.

The ceremony, led by H.E. Taresh Eid Al Mansouri, Director General of Dubai Courts, and H.E Maj. General Dr. Abdul Quddoos A.R. Al-Obaidli, Assistant Commander for Excellence & Pioneering, Chairman of EIPA, was held at the InterContinental Dubai - Festival City, together with attended several government figures, decision-makers and officials.

H.E. Dr. Abdul Quddoos A.R. Al-Obaidli noted that the program is a step forward in enhancing the capabilities of the country’s human resources which is a high priority in the UAE and is valued by the country’s wise leadership as the true wealth of the nation. He explained that the success of the first diploma course is a result of strong collaboration with the Dubai Courts to provide trainees with the necessary knowledge and experience to enhance the UAE's strengths in enforcing intellectual property protection laws, which ranked 23rd globally in the Global Intellectual Property Index 2018.

Al-Obaidli added: “We are proud to present the graduates of the first batch of IP experts which opens new horizons for building a generation of experts capable to protect the creative works of talents. It also presents new opportunities in creating an environment that inspires innovation, which is today’s cornerstone for a more comprehensive and sustainable development in the UAE. We look forward to implementing more training and development programs and spread awareness on international best practices in the protection of copyrights, patents, registered trademarks, copyrights and intellectual property. This serves our common vision to meet the objectives of UAE Vision 2021 to bring about a competitive knowledge economy based on knowledge and innovation and led by Emiratis as we aim to become a leading nation across the world.”

H.E. Taresh Eid Al Mansouri, said: “The Diploma has proved to be a pioneering step towards advancing the UAE's efforts in the field of intellectual property rights and pave the way for a generation of qualified experts which will enforce the country's stringent laws and legislation. We have witnessed the country’s remarkable development and ability to cope with the rapid changes and align with the principles of international agreements in field of intellectual property, including registered trademarks, patents and copyrights. Today, we are proud to witness the graduation of a group of experts and we trust their ability to support the ongoing efforts to create an ideal environment for creative mobility, in line with the vision of our wise leadership in making the UAE a global hub for innovative minds. The success of the first round of the program motivates us to continue our fruitful cooperation with our partners in Dhahi Khalfan Intellectual Property Center and the Emirates Intellectual Property Association to expand and optimize investment in the youth's potential and to guide them to become the pillars in the establishment of the country’s leadership in upholding intellectual property, which is the foundation of a comprehensive and sustainable development.”

The Diploma of the Intellectual Property Expert was held under the supervision of a group of academics and experts accredited by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The program was administered into four sections, including the IP System Entry and International Conventions; Diploma of an Expert in Patents and Trade Secrets; Diploma of an Authorized Expert in Literary Property; and Diploma of an Expert in Trademarks and Illegal Competition. Earning the diploma qualifies the applicant to register in the Dubai Courts Expert Panel.