Page 146 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - JUNE 2024

6/28/24, 5:13 PM Ministry of Economy and La Liga launch ‘Anti-Piracy Lab' project to block websites violating intellectual property rights and creative …

Ministry of Economy and La Liga launch ‘Anti-Piracy Lab'
project to block websites violating intellectual property rights
and creative works

Al Saleh: The project is a part of the Ministry of Economy's ongoing efforts to enhance comprehensive protection
for owners of creative works. It also strengthens the UAE's international partnerships in combating infringements
on intellectual property rights.
Abu Dhabi, 27 June 2024: The UAE Ministry of Economy has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the
Spanish National Professional Football League ‘La Liga’ to establish a lab aimed at combating piracy and protecting
intellectual property rights in the UAE. The initiative will focus on detecting and addressing illegal use of audio and visual
content across digital platforms. The project, executed in collaboration with Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and
the Digital Government (TDRA), will be established in Dubai Media City.
The MoU was signed by H.E. Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, and Javier Tebas,
President of LA Liga, in the presence of Major General Dr Abdul Quddus Abdul Razzaq Al Obaidly, Assistant Commander-
in-Chief for Excellence and Pioneering at Dubai Police, chairman of Emirates Intellectual Property Association: Abdullah
Balhoul, CEO of TECOM Group, and Majid Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President of TECOM Group - Dubai Media City.
H.E. Al Saleh underscored the UAE's dedication to building a robust intellectual property system aligned with the best
global practices. “The UAE has established a legislative framework that is highly adaptable and competitive on both
regional and international levels, enhancing its role as a premier global center for creativity and innovation. This aligns with
the 'We the UAE 2031' vision to position the country as a global hub for the new economy and a thriving society by the next
decade,” Al Saleh said.
His Excellency said: “The MoU marks a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen the comprehensive protection of
intellectual property applications and creative works in the UAE. Through our collaboration with La Liga, we aim to establish
frameworks for blocking websites that infringe upon intellectual property rights in the country, aligning with the best global
practices. It also focuses on strengthening the UAE’s collaborations in combating intellectual property infringements and
supporting global initiatives in this field. Additionally, this new project will bolster the Ministry’s ‘InstaBlock’ initiative, which
was launched in February as part of its new intellectual property system initiatives.”
Javier Tebas, President of LA Liga, said: 'It is a historic act because we are at a moment where intellectual property in the
sports industry is completely threatened. We have more than 10 years of experience in this fight around the world, which is
why we know that this agreement is unique.
This agreement is an example of how public and private authorities can understand each other and create collaborative
spaces against audiovisual fraud. We are seeing with the latest resolutions that we can fight piracy with technology. The
Emirates is an example to follow, a pioneer in the world and unique in this activity.
We know that we will not only defend LALIGA but also many other sports and audiovisual properties. We must defend this
industry that belongs to everyone.'
Abdullah Balhoul, CEO of TECOM Group, said: “Protecting intellectual property is one of the key pillars in advancing a
knowledge-based economy. The UAE and Dubai have been pivotal in this effort, utilizing their status as global hubs for
creativity. Through specialized business districts like Dubai Media City, the TECOM Group has created integrated business
environments that attract top talent from around the world. The Group has succeeded in attracting global companies and
best talents in six strategic sectors, thanks to the UAE and Dubai's state-of-the-art infrastructure, supported by legislative
and regulatory frameworks that prioritize innovation and growth.”
“TECOM Group’s media sector includes over 3,500 clients working within Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, and Dubai
Production City. Our goals align with forward-looking government strategies such as ‘We the UAE 2031’ and Dubai
Economic Agenda D33. We are pleased to welcome La Liga in Dubai Media City, affirming our steadfast commitment to
supporting the Ministry of Economy’s efforts to cement the UAE’s position as a leading global destination for creativity and
innovation,” he added.
Through this project, the Ministry of Economy seeks to encourage investment in advanced technology and digital
innovations, along with the various services offered by the laboratory. The primary objective is to enhance the protection of
intellectual and creative rights within the country, in line with the Ministry’s strategic goals of fostering leadership and
competitiveness in innovation and intellectual property rights. This initiative also aims to empower national creative talents
to utilize intellectual property applications, thereby contributing to the development of a knowledge and innovation-driven
national economy.

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