Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau has signed an agreement with Emirates Intellectual Property Association (EIPA) aimed at protecting its intellectual property.

The aim of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) is to raise awareness about the importance of protecting intellectual property as part of EIPA’s drive to make the country one of the best in the world by 2021 in this area.

The MoU was signed by Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, executive director, Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau, and Dr Abdul Qaddous Abdul Razzaq Al Obaidli, assistant commander for Quality and Excellence in Dubai Police and chairman of the Emirates Intellectual Property Association.

Through the MoU, both parties will cooperate on joint initiatives and projects to develop a joint strategy for protecting Expo 2020 Dubai intellectual property.

Al-Ali said: “We value the efforts of the EIPA in raising awareness and protecting intellectual property. We are confident that the association will play an important role in protecting the Expo 2020 Dubai trademark locally and internationally.

“This MoU is one of several agreements signed with government entities and organisations to ensure we host an exceptional World Expo that reflects the outstanding reputation of the UAE."

He added: "The UAE ranks among the top countries in the world in terms of taking important steps to protect intellectual property and trademarks and updating their laws and legislations in this regard.

“Protecting intellectual property embodies the Expo 2020 Dubai theme, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, as protecting intellectual property encourages the exchange and development of ideas in a safe environment that protects everyone's rights.”

The MoU provides for EIPA to help protect the Expo 2020 Dubai logo and its trademark locally and internationally, in addition to raising awareness on all levels and developing a comprehensive culture for protecting intellectual property rights related to the event.

Al Obaidli said: “The UAE pays great attention to the protection of intellectual property, in line with the belief of the country’s leaders in innovation as a key contributor a thriving society with a knowledge-based, competitive and sustainable economy that guarantees a safe future for current and future generations.

“Expo 2020 Dubai represents the embodiment of the national approach since it is based on celebrating human innovations.

“So it is vital that we work together on developing a common strategy to protect the intellectual property of this incredible global destination that reflects its theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’.”

He added: “This MOU is an important step as our country works to be at the forefront internationally in protecting intellectual property under its wise leadership, which does not accept being second to anyone.

“By working together, we aim to protect Expo 2020 Dubai’s trademark locally and internationally. We also aim to raise awareness in society and adopt best practices in protecting the intellectual property, in line with the government’s goal of becoming one the best countries in the world in the area by the year 2021.”

The MoU also sets out the exchanging of studies and practices adopted by Expo 2020 Dubai in the field of intellectual property protection, as well as other relevant studies and practices, especially since the event is being hosted for the first time in the region on the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region.

Expo 2020 Dubai opens its gates on October 20, 2020 and will close six months later on 10 April, 2021.

It will be a celebration for all, which, through its theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, will provide a platform to encourage creativity, innovation and collaboration. This is underpinned by Expo’s three pillars: Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability.

More than 200 participants, including nations, multilateral organisations, corporations and educational institutions, are expected to take part. – TradeArabia News Service