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Press Release

UAE participates in Diplomatic Conference on Design Law in

Riyadh to enhance collaboration in the legal protection of IP rights

H.E. Al Muaini: The treaty represents a new milestone in streamlining the
registration of industrial designs

Abu Dhabi, 22 November 2024:

The UAE participated in Diplomatic Conference to Conclude and Adopt a Design Law Treaty in
Riyadh from 11 to 22 November, 2024. Chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) under the
auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the conference marked the final
phase of negotiations for the treaty, which plays a crucial role in strengthening legal protection for
industrial designs and intellectual property (IP) both regionally and globally. The conference was
also aimed at fostering a culture of innovation and creativity.

H.E. Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant Undersecretary for IP Rights Sector at
the Ministry of Economy, represented the UAE at the conference. H.E. Daren Tang, Director
General of WIPO, was also present at the event, along with several representatives from other
WIPO member states.

H.E. Al Muaini highlighted the significance of the treaty as a new milestone in streamlining the
registration of industrial designs for innovators and creators globally. Its main objective is to offer
necessary tools and mechanisms to strengthen multilateral IP framework and simplify procedures
to protect their IP rights. H.E. noted that the treaty includes key provisions, including the
prohibition of unauthorised claims on traditional designs, endorsing requests for technical
assistance and capacity building, among other procedural matters. These provisions require
increased cooperation among member states to ensure successful treaty negotiations. Additionally,
H.E. Dr. Al Muaini emphasized the importance of aligning views among member states and
owners of industrial designs, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

H.E. said, "The UAE is committed to supporting the conference and its outcomes, while also
maintaining its commitment to collaborate and exchange knowledge and best practices with fellow
WIPO member states. The country seeks to become a party to all WIPO treaties and agreements
on IP and play an effective role in supporting global initiatives in this field." Furthermore, H.E.
conveyed the UAE's endorsement of Pakistan’s statement on behalf of the Asia-Pacific Group at
the conference.

H.E. Al Muaini added: "The UAE has made remarkable strides in establishing a robust legal
framework to strengthen the overall protection of IP and its associated fields, in line with
international best practices. The country achieved this through the issuance of proactive and