Senior officials from the UAE Ministry of Economy and the Korean Intellectual Property Office (Kipo) recently held a crucial meeting to discuss the setting up of an advance framework of co-operation in the field of Intellectual Property.

The high- level UAE ministry delegation was led by Dr Ali Ibrahim Al Hosani, the assistant undersecretary for Intellectual Property, while the Koran side was led by Dr Kwun Kuiwou, the director of International Cooperation Division.

The discussions were a part of the strategic partnership between the two sides and the positive outcome of the UAE-South Korea Joint Economic Committee meeting conducted earlier in May.

As a concrete initiative, it will support the goals outlined in the Joint Committee meeting, further strengthening the UAE’s strategic partnership with South Korea.

On the key talks, Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, the UAE Minister of Economy said, "The UAE is keen to enhance international level co-operation on best practices in Intellectual Property in our effort to build a knowledge based economy.

"Our objective is to spearhead new initiatives in support of innovation," Al Mansouri added.

The two sides shared the significance of substantial co-operation achieved in patent examination and related automation system for mutual benefit.

The UAE is the first Arab country with which the Korean government has initiated comprehensive IP co-operation.

In his comments, Al Hosani said the discussions focused on identifying practical ways of co-operation between the ministry and Kipo to build the UAE’s patent examination capacities and IT system.
 
"Both sides agreed to take follow up measures on the discussions and recommendations. Kipo will send a feasibility study team to prepare a set of working environment and logistical and administrative matters necessary to enhance the patent examination process within the ministry," he added.

After the preparatory work is done by the feasibility study; the two sides will agree on the steps required to further the co-operation in this area, said Al Hosani.

The meeting agreed to co-operate in other comprehensive areas, such as patent examination cooperation, trademarks, designs, IT and capacity-building of human resources in IP field, he added.-TradeArabia News Service