1st Arab conf. on intellectual property

The First Arab Conference: Intellectual Property and Applications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution ‘Lessons Learned from the Japanese and Arab Experiences’ was held on 22-23May, with more than 120 participants and 180 students from eight Arab countries, Japan, and Chile.

Around 25 experts from high-level Arab scientific institutes specialised in intellectual property rights protection took part in the event.

This conference was held within the framework of the keenness of the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (EJUST) and the Arab Administrative Development Organisation to activate the memorandum of understanding signed between them last February. The conference also embodies the vision, common goals and fruitful co-operation between the organization and the university.

Japanese Ambassador in Cairo Hiroshi Oka took part in the event via video conference. In his speech, he stressed the importance of protecting intellectual property rights in encouraging scientific research, innovation and creativity in order to achieve the desired development in the industry. This is especially in view of the rapid spread of digital technologies.

He also referred to the need to develop legislation for the protection of intellectual property rights in line with international agreements. Meanwhile, the ambassador praised the interest of the Egyptian-Japanese University of Science and Technology in the subject of intellectual property protection and the dissemination of this culture among researchers.

The conference highlighted the Japanese experience and some Arab experiences in registering and protecting patents. The conference also discussed practical applications on intellectual property issues and arbitration in their disputes.

The conference came up with main recommendations, including the necessity to update and harmonise local and international legislation related to intellectual property rights in line with the developments of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The conference also stressed the importance of integration between the laws regulating intellectual property rights in a way that intensifies the punishment of violators of intellectual property rights in all its forms.

The event also emphasised the importance of the industrial community’s involvement besides promoting artificial intelligence in various technological fields.