UAE introduces new mechanism to protect intellectual property rights for creative works on digital platforms

He Ministry of Economy announced on Thursday a new mechanism to improve intellectual property rights (IPR) protection for creative works on digital platforms, and to provide a safe environment against infringement for owners of exclusive rights, in line with international best practices in this field. sense, in cooperation with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).

The new mechanism focuses on addressing any violation of intellectual property rights, whether in literary works or multimedia content such as videos, and raising awareness about the importance of respecting property rights when using various content viewing platforms. Additionally, it aims to educate rights holders about the ministry’s tools and services that help them protect their rights against infringement and piracy.

Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Deputy Undersecretary of the Intellectual Property Rights Sector of the Ministry of Economy fixed,

“The country has been keen to intensify its efforts to increase the contribution of the creative economy to the national GDP, considering it a key driver of economic growth over the next fifty years. Today, we are witnessing a new milestone in strengthening the position of the UAE as a leading destination for creative businesses and industries, through the announcement of a new mechanism by the Ministry of Economy, to be implemented in collaboration with TDRA, which aims to immediately ban and block electronic sites that violate copyright authors and creators and display their works on various platforms without obtaining permission for publication or transmission.

During his speech at the press conference, he announced the activation by the Ministry of Economy of the “InstaBlock” initiative, which was launched as part of the ministry’s new intellectual property system initiatives last February. The initiative involves the design and establishment of a center in collaboration with relevant entities to monitor infringements of intellectual property rights on websites and block non-compliant sites to protect rights holders.

Through “InstaBlock” the ministry will provide an immediate service called “Live ban” to receive complaints regarding copyright infringements related to online live streaming. This will be facilitated by establishing a joint group between the ministry, the TDRAand representatives of rights holders. This group will work efficiently and continuously 24 hours a day, ensuring the rapid application of legislation protecting intellectual property rights with respect to these complaints.

He explained that the ministry was interested in launching the new mechanism in conjunction with the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, since it is characterized by the production and exhibition of many creative and artistic works on digital platforms such as series, documentaries and entertainment programs. , sports tournaments and more.

News source: Emirates News Agency