Page 45 - MOE ENGLISH PR - MAY 2024

Press Release

UAE and United States sign MoU to strengthen collaboration and
share knowledge in the field of intellectual property rights

protection

Partnership to launch a program to facilitate patent registration of American

patent holders in the UAE

Abu Dhabi, 23 May 2024:
The UAE and the United States signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the goal of
strengthening collaboration in the application of intellectual property (IP) rights protection. The
MoU will establish a comprehensive framework and a flexible approach to promoting creative and
innovative endeavours, while also contributing to the development of new policies and systems in
the field of IP rights protection. Ultimately, it will contribute to the economic growth and
sustainable development of both economies.
The MoU was signed by H.E. Dr Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant
Undersecretary for Intellectual Property Sector at the Ministry of Economy; and Kathi Vidal,
Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent
and Trademark Office (USPTO), in the presence of H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of
Economy.

Under the terms of the agreement, the two sides will initiate a 5-year partnership to support and
enable American creators and innovators who possess U.S. patents to have their patents registered
in the UAE, provided they meet the set criteria.
H.E. Bin Touq said: “The UAE has placed great emphasis on cultivating a highly conducive
environment that fosters creative ideas and works. The country has effectively implemented an
integrated framework of laws and regulations concerning IP rights in line with global best
practices. We recognize that intellectual property is a cornerstone of the nation’s sustainable
development, in line with the goals outlined in the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.”

H.E. also underlined the importance of the latest partnership with USPTO, which marks a
significant milestone in enhancing the facilities and incentives offered to the private sector. This
will contribute to attracting creators of ideas, innovators, and creative minds, and motivating them
to establish and maintain their own businesses and fully capitalize on the opportunities offered by
the UAE’s business environment. Talented individuals who own patents from the United States
will be able to benefit from a streamlined process to swiftly obtain patents from the UAE Ministry
of Economy, ensuring their protection from any potential infringement.

UAE’s advanced legislative & technological ecosystem that fosters innovation