Seminar on Combatting Online Infringement

Under the patronage of the Ministry of Economy in the UAE, Gulf BPG organized a seminar on Combatting Online Infringement, in cooperation with, Economic Service – French Embassy in the UAE; French National Institute for Industrial Property (INPI), AIPPI-UAE and Emirates Intellectual Property Association.

Malek Hannouf, Gulf BPG chairman, welcomed all stakeholders and opened the seminar with a speech stressing on the importance of collaboration between Law enforcement authorities, online platforms and brand owners in order to succeed combatting online infringement in fast path tech world.

Afterward, he gave the floor to HE Dr. Abdel Rahman Almuaini, Assistant Undersecretary for IP Section at the Ministry Of Economy UAE, who highlighted the importance of addressing this critical challenge. He acknowledged the transformative power of the Internet and e-commerce, and on the other hand, the threat posed by online infringement, including piracy and cyberattacks.

HE Al Muaini stressed on the need for global collaboration, emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to creating a platform for knowledge sharing. He urged active participation of all stakeholders emphasizing the potential for collective efforts to ensure a safer digital future.

This event brought together experts and leaders from online platforms, as well as legal and regulatory entities, to discuss crucial topics surrounding intellectual property online enforcement and protection. Offering valuable insights and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders in the field.

The first panel, titled “The Voice of Online Platforms” was moderated by Malek Hannouf, Chairman of Gulf BPG, brought together prominent insights on the platforms procedures and figures on their efforts. These platforms included Pauline Monier, Director of Global IP Enforcement at Alibaba Group, and Hadi Al Kanani, responsible for Brand Protection Strategic Partnerships at Amazon and a Board Member at Gulf BPG.

The second panel, focused on “Legal and Regulatory Perspectives,” was moderated by Hoda Barakat, President of AIPPI UAE and Board Member of EIPA. The panel featured distinguished speakers such as Yamish Yakoob, IP Attache for the GCC from UKIPO, Dr. Jinane Kabbara, an IP Counsellor-ME-INPI Expert, and Bassel El Turk, the Vice President of AIPPI-UAE. Said panel tackled the legal framework of online enforcement in the UAE in comparison with France and UK systems.

This event marked a successful beginning in fostering collaboration among key stakeholders in the field, paving the way for future endeavors.