Minister of Awqaf (Charitable Endowments) Osama al-Azhari and Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority (EGIPA) Chairman Hisham Azmi signed a co-operation protocol on Wednesday to strengthen efforts to raise public awareness of intellectual property (IP) rights.
The step is meant to promote respect for intellectual and scientific property while protecting creativity and innovation.
Al-Azhari stressed that protecting intellectual property is an essential part of protecting Egyptian citizens and safeguarding their efforts, ideas and creative work.
The partnership between the Ministry of Awqaf and EGIPA will help broaden public awareness and foster greater respect for intellectual and scientific rights, he said.
Al-Azhari said that his ministry plans to incorporate intellectual property awareness into its “Correct Your Concepts” initiative, produce awareness materials, and intensify discussion of the issue through religious outreach caravans, lessons and Friday sermons.
For his part, the EGIPA chairman said the signing of the protocol builds on previous discussions between the two sides, expressing his appreciation to Minister al-Azhari for supporting the partnership.
Intellectual property is a fundamental value in building individuals and society and should not be viewed merely as a legal issue, but as an integral part of society’s value system, Azmi said.
