By A Staff Reporter
MUSCAT — The resolutions proposed by the Chairman of the Arab Society for the Protection of Industrial Property (ASPIP) recently at a major conference on intellectual properly rights were unanimously adopted.
The two day international conference on the protection of intellectual property rights inthe GCC, which was held in Dubai, unanimously adopted Mr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh’s resolutions.
Mr. Abu-Ghazaleh who recently spoke to Times of Oman pointed out that the drafting of a copyright law would increase Oman’s standing in international trade circles. He had stated that even those who hesitated to get involved in commercial activities and trade with Oman would be attracted to the Omani market if protection is assured to their products and technologies, which in turn would benefit Oman.
Meanwhile, the conference favourably noted the recent adoption of the new law aimed at providing legal protection in the areas of patents, trademarks and copyrights in the United Arab Emirates and in several other Gulf and Arab states, as well the modifications and related legislation.
The resolutions, proposed by Mr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh also pointed out that the aim of raising the level of protection requires a balanced effort in the areas of legislation, governmental supervision, legal procedures and public awareness. “This can be achieved through cooperation between international and regional organizations with concerned governmental authorities.” he stated.
Abu-Ghazaleh stated that it is in the best interests of governments, businessmen and citizens to provide the fullest measure of protection to the owner of intellectual property rights. “This conviction lies behind the support of officials in the United Arab Emirates and other states for the continuous development of protection laws and procedures.”
Meanwhile, the International Trademark Association (INTA) held its 116th annual meeting in Seattle, recently.
The meeting was attended by more than 3000 trademark and patent experts from all over the world.
Mr. Abu-Ghazaleh along with other ASPIP members attended different panel discussions and shared their views on industrial property protection rights in the Middle East.
The fact that industrial property protection is one of the major factors affecting industrial development and economic growth in the Arab world was pointed out by ASPIP representatives and was discussed comprehensively in their meetings with their counterparts.
Published in the Times of Oman, June 20, 1994.