Page 418 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - MAY 2025 ( Part 2)

5/22/25, 3:32 PM Ministry of Economy introduces geographical indications for national products enhancing their competitiveness in global markets - …
The new GI system stands out as an effective tool that advances the country’s efforts to foster
both individual and institutional innovation, while protecting intellectual property rights in the

UAE in line with the nation’s broader aspirations to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).

In this regard, the protection of national products through GI tagging contributes to achieving
Goal 8, which focuses on ‘Decent Work and Economic Growth,’ by stimulating local production,

creating sustainable job opportunities, and increasing the economic value of products. It also

supports the achievement of Goal 9 related to ‘Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure,’ as it
enhances the development of value chains in both traditional and modern industries, promotes
innovation in production methods, and contributes to building a knowledge-based and quality-

driven economy.

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in its World Intellectual Property
Indicators report 2024 noted that there are more than 58,600 active geographical indications

worldwide as of 2023. Europe led the way, accounting for 52.5% of registered geographical
indications globally, followed by Asia with 39.5%.

Trademarks law provides comprehensive protection for GI in the UAE:

The UAE’s Trademarks Law provides comprehensive protection for geographical indications,
recognizing them as a form of trademark linked to a specific geographic origin that grants the

product unique characteristics and distinctive quality. The law allows the registration of
geographical indications as a legal right, ensuring their IP ownership and preventing their

misuse by others in ways that could mislead consumers or tarnish the reputation of original
products, provided they are protected in their country of origin.

The law protects registered products from imitation, counterfeiting, or any unauthorized use,
including any misleading presentation or labeling that suggests a false geographic origin, as

such actions negatively impact consumer awareness and the rights of producers. Additionally,
the law prohibits the use of geographical indications in contexts deemed as unfair competition,

in accordance with the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property and the
international agreements applicable in the country, ensuring that national legislations align with

global best practices in this field.

According to the Trademarks Law, a GI tagged product refers to any product originating from a
WTO member country or a specific area or location within that region, where the product’s

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