International Trademark Association Establishes MENA Regional Office in Dubai to Bolster Intellectual Property Frameworks
Dubai, UAE – The International Trademark Association (INTA) has announced the upcoming establishment of its new regional office for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This strategic expansion, revealed during INTA’s Annual Meeting, is set to commence operations in the latter half of 2025, signaling a significant commitment to advancing intellectual property (IP) rights and legal frameworks across the region.
The decision to open a dedicated office in Dubai reflects the growing importance of the MENA region in the global IP landscape and INTA’s increasing membership base in the area. The new hub is envisioned as a central platform to deepen collaboration with local and regional stakeholders, enhance outreach and training initiatives, and strengthen IP protection efforts across the diverse economies of the MENA region. Its mandate will include active engagement in policy development and building the capacity of various entities involved in IP protection, particularly amidst the region’s dynamic economic expansion.
Major General Dr. Abdul Quddus Abdulrazzaq Al Obaidli, Chairman of the Emirates Intellectual Property Association (EIPA), welcomed INTA’s move, emphasizing Dubai’s position as a nexus for innovation and a leader in intellectual property legislation. He highlighted the office’s potential to significantly bolster cooperative efforts, align national and international strategies to combat commercial rights infringement, and cultivate an environment that fosters both investment and creative endeavors.
Etienne Sanz de Acedo, CEO of the International Trademark Association, noted that the Dubai office is a direct response to the substantial growth in INTA’s membership throughout the Middle East and North Africa. He reiterated the association’s dedication to supporting regional governments in their trademark protection mandates, with a focused approach on training programs, anti-counterfeiting measures, and proactive participation in policy formulation.
Hoda Barakat, a Board Member for both EIPA and INTA, underscored the transformative potential of INTA’s presence in the region. She anticipated that the new office would significantly enhance dialogue on IP matters and facilitate the exchange of global expertise and leading practices. Barakat also acknowledged the UAE’s consistent leadership in championing innovation and viewed the office’s opening as a testament to international confidence in the Emirates’ robust legal and regulatory environment.
The Emirates Intellectual Property Association has extended its full support for the new office’s strategic objectives, reaffirming its commitment to contributing to a more secure and equitable future for intellectual property rights across the entire region. This development is expected to reinforce the legal and regulatory ecosystem surrounding trademarks and intellectual property, benefiting businesses, innovators, and consumers alike in the UAE and beyond.