DOHA: Economy and Commerce H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani said Qatar’s efforts in the field of promoting intellectual property rights has helped in protecting the national economy from the repercussions of the negative trade practices as the state has worked on developing and modernising the legislations and laws that aim to protect intellectual property rights, in compliance with the standards set by global conventions.
The Minister made the remarks at a ceremony organised by the Ministry in cooperation with Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) to mark the World Intellectual Property Day. The event seeks to promote dialogue on the importance of intellectual property rights and their role in developing an encouraging and motivating environment for innovation and creativity in the society.
QF Vice-Chairperson and CEO H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani attended the event along with Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Dr Mohammed bin Abdul Wahed Al Hammadi and a number of senior officials from different government entities.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani added that intellectual property rights in Qatar are a main factor and motivation for investment, especially in light of the country’s directives to diversify income and encourage the components of the private sector, including national small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to innovate and create and increase their production. This in turn contributes to strengthening these enterprises’ capability to help in diversifying the national economy.
The Minister highlighted the creative initiatives launched by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce for the protection of intellectual property rights and trademarks through following the highest international standards in this area and providing a comprehensive electronic system of high quality to support and enable authors, copyright owners, trademarks, inventors and innovators to preserve their rights and protect their work and inventions.