Webinar on the Design Law Treaty: Advancing Design Protection in the Region
2025-12-15 | Online via Teams
Gulf BPG, in collaboration with AIPPI UAE, EIPA and under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Economy, organized a high-level webinar focusing on the Design Law Treaty (DLT), a landmark international treaty adopted at the WIPO Riyadh Diplomatic Conference in November 2024.
The session opened with welcoming remarks from Malek Hannouf, Chairman of Gulf BPG, who emphasized the strategic importance of DLT in advancing harmonized, simplified design protection procedures at the international level. He highlighted the treaty’s relevance for brand owners, designers, and SMEs operating across multiple jurisdictions, particularly in light of the Gulf region’s growing innovation ecosystem and global engagement.
The webinar was moderated by Paul Muscat and featured Mr. Andres Izquierdo, IP Attorney and Policy Advisor, as the keynote speaker. Mr. Izquierdo provided an in-depth overview of DLT, explaining its procedural nature and its aim to standardize design registration requirements, reduce administrative burdens, lower legal costs, and promote electronic filing across jurisdictions.
Key discussions focused on:

The benefits of the DLT for Gulf brands and SMEs, including faster and more cost-effective access to design protection.
The treaty’s role in supporting creative industries such as fashion, consumer products, automotive, and packaging.
Implementation considerations for the region, including legislative alignment, e-filing infrastructure, and WIPO-led capacity building.
The treaty’s potential to position the Gulf as a regional and global hub for design protection, while maintaining necessary flexibilities for national systems.

The session concluded with an interactive discussion, reinforcing the importance of awareness and preparedness among rights holders and policymakers as countries move toward adoption and implementation of the Design Law Treaty.

Gulf BPG Participation in the Intellectual Property Sector Partners Meeting 2025
2025-12-16 | Shindagha Historical District.
Gulf BPG delegate participated in the Intellectual Property Sector Partners Meeting 2025 alongside key stakeholders and partners from the UAE intellectual property ecosystem.
The meeting served as a platform to strengthen collaboration among IP sector stakeholders, with discussions focused on enhancing cooperation, aligning efforts, and supporting the development of a robust, sustainable intellectual property framework in the UAE.
During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Abdelrahman Hassan Almuaini, Assistant Undersecretary for Intellectual Property, MoET, delivered a presentation highlighting the results of the Strategic Partners Survey, which had been shared with partners in advance. His presentation addressed key findings and outlined the main challenges identified across the IP sector.
Following this, H.E. Dr. Al Muaini facilitated an interactive brainstorming session, during which partners actively exchanged views and proposed initiatives to address these challenges and strengthen joint cooperation.
Gulf BPG’s participation underscores its continued commitment to public–private collaboration and its active role in contributing industry perspectives to initiatives that advance intellectual property protection and brand enforcement in the UAE.

Online Training session for AD DED Inspectors and AD Customs
2025-12-18
Brands: Huawei, CAT, Perkins & Beiersdorf

Online Training session for AD Customs Inspectors
2026-01-20
Brands: Puma, Van Cleef & Arpel, Cartier, Mont Blanc and Richemont

Shaping Minds: Gulf BPG’s IP Awareness Workshop at AD Polytechnic
2026-01-27 | Abu Dhabi Polytechnic University, Abu Dhabi
Gulf BPG, represented by Chairman Malek Hannouf, participated in an awareness session for students at Abu Dhabi Polytechnic, organized by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (AD DED).
The session was highly engaging and informative, providing students with valuable insights into the fundamentals of intellectual property. Mr. Hannouf delivered a comprehensive introduction to IP concepts, with a focus on trademarks, the risks associated with counterfeit products and their impact on consumers and the market. The session concluded with remarks from a representative of the AD DED, who highlighted the importance of trademark registration and outlined the UAE’s ongoing efforts to protect consumer rights and combat counterfeit goods.
In recognition of his valuable contribution and active participation, Malek Hannouf was honoured by the university for his support in delivering this impactful session.
This initiative reflects Gulf BPG’s continued commitment to raising awareness among younger generations and promoting a culture of respect for intellectual property and consumer protection.

Online Training session for AD DED
2026-02-17
Brands: Beiersdorf & Unilever

Online Training session for AD Customs
2026-03-24
Brands: SanDisk, Beiersdorf & Hugo Boss

Online Training session for Qatar MoCI
2026-04-01
Brands: LV, Berluti, Rimowa, Unilever & Beiersdorf

Online Training session for Qatar MoCI
2026-04-08
Brands: Bio-Oil, Longchamp, International Olympic Committee & Lululemon
