1. Keynote speakers
included Ministers for Justice from Saudi Arabia and Jordan, the UK Minister of
State for Justice, the UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for
Intellectual Property and Cherie Blair.
So it was clearly both a diplomatic and IP conference. It showed that IP issues are taking a much
higher profile in International relations and even countries in the Middle East
are accepting that the implications of the knowledge and digital economy
affects every country.
2. The WTO and TRIPS
were essentially the driving forces for Middle Eastern countries providing IP
rights and methods of enforcement.
3. Saudi judges and legal
practitioners in the area came across as very aware of the correct balance needing
to be struck between IP rights holders and third parties, and there were
clearly mechanisms in place in Saudi Arabia to regulate prices and to keep in check
the behaviour of IP holders.
4. The topic of whether
infringement of IP rights should be a criminal act was mentioned by several
speakers, and clearly there are counter-arguments to this. It was clear that whilst the overall tone of
the conference was very supportive of IP rights holders, there were also
moderating voices.
5. It was clear that
enforcement of IP rights was within Islamic legal principles. There was also an understanding that it was
in the national interests of Middle Eastern countries, though this is probably
a complex conclusion to establish.
6. Morocco is keen
for its population to take much more advantage of IP rights, particularly for
handicrafts. It recognises that it is
exposed to open competition and operates within a knowledge economy.
7. Many consumers do not presently see anything wrong with
illegally downloading films and music or buying fake luxury goods. Consumer education was seen as a priority.
8. Cybercrime and
security were seen as areas of concern.
9. It was noted that
the controversy of pharma patents making drugs expensive in the developing
world was harming support for IP rights holders.
10. We noted from
people that we met at coffee that the Middle East is attracting UK IP lawyers.
D. Young & Co., a UK patent firm, has opened offices there recently.
You may also wish to see related articles Top
10 Controversial Patent Issues and Top
10 Uncertainties in Patents.
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