Dubai Silicon Oasis hosts seminar on Intellectual Property Protection

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the integrated free zone technology park, today announced it hosted a seminar to highlight the vital role of Intellectual Property (IP) and offer businesses a comprehensive set of ways to protect and manage the intangible asset.

Titled ‘An introduction to Intellectual Property’, the seminar was held on 9 May at the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) headquarters. Organized in collaboration with Rouse, a world class intellectual property (IP) services firm focused on the emerging markets of Asia and the Middle East, with a niche UK practice, the seminar aimed to address the importance of intellectual property and educate industry professionals.

The seminar provided an overview on IP protection and explored aspects such as enforcing IP rights and the challenges businesses could face in safeguarding IP. A case study was also presented to help participants understand the practical instances of protecting IP.

An insight into recognising the four key areas of IP protection such as patents, industrial designs, trademarks, and copyright were offered during the seminar. Experts informed participants that patenting protects the technical and functional aspects of products and processes of any new invention, whereas trademarks protect signs that distinguish the goods and services of one trader from the other.

Intellectual Property in areas such as trade secrets, confidentiality and domain names were also presented. Participants were also informed that more than one type of IP is possible for the same creative work.

Abdulsalam Bastaki, Vice-President of Information Technology at Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), said: “Dubai is home to a large number of technology manufacturers and service providers, making it increasingly important for businesses to understand and protect their IP. The first step is making sure that professionals are fully aware and can identify instances where they need to protect IP rights and when their rights are being violated.

“DSO strongly believes in providing a secure environment to businesses. The seminar came as part of our continuous efforts in this direction. Creating awareness will help safeguard the national economy, as well as the interests of customers, investors and traders. We are glad the event received such an overwhelming response.”

Sara Holder, head of Rouse's Middle East office said, “We are happy to partner with DSOA in this seminar. IP is a key asset for all corporations. Putting in place an IP strategy that is aligned to the corporation’s business strategy is a key aspect to any corporations' future success."

Rouse has a team of more than 500 people in 17 offices around the world to provide the full range of IP services. Long-standing clients include many of the world's foremost IP owners.

Wholly-owned by the Government of Dubai, DSO operates as a free zone for companies producing semiconductors, microelectronics, and other high-tech products seeking to establish regional headquarters and centers of research and development in the Middle East and Africa.