Abu Dhabi University Secures US Patent for Renewable Energy Innovation Abu Dhabi, UAE – Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has been awarded a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a pioneering invention in the field of renewable energy. This significant intellectual property achievement underscores the institution’s commitment to advancing research and innovation. The patent, titled “Deformable model for performance enhancement of photovoltaic-wind hybrid system,” addresses a critical challenge in renewable energy generation: improving the efficiency and sustainability of integrated energy systems. The innovation details a unique approach to combining wind and photovoltaic (PV) energy sources within a single, autonomous system. The core of the patented technology involves a deformable model that enables precise adjustments to wind turbine arms and dynamic control over the tilt of PV modules. By optimizing these elements to ideal angles, the system aims to substantially enhance energy production compared to traditional hybrid setups. This distinctive integration method promises improved energy harvesting rates. University officials highlighted the strategic importance of this patent in fostering innovative solutions beneficial to both students and the wider community. The development aligns with the global imperative to transition towards cleaner energy sources and is expected to contribute to the UAE’s broader renewable energy initiatives. Furthermore, the university stated that this intellectual property milestone will provide a robust platform for students to engage with various aspects of renewable energy, including system optimisation, embedded systems, and solar tracking algorithms. Such exposure is intended to cultivate practical skills and knowledge in cutting-edge energy technologies. The patent represents a significant step for ADU in solidifying its role as a key contributor to scientific and technological advancements in the region.

UAE Grants Regulatory Approval for Biotech Nutraceutical, Highlighting IP and Market Compliance Dubai, UAE – July 08, 2025 – A Canadian biotechnology firm, BioAro, has secured crucial regulatory approvals and market entry clearance within the United Arab Emirates for its inaugural nutraceutical product, Longevity+™. This development marks a significant compliance milestone for the company and underscores the UAE’s role as a progressive market for health and wellness innovation. The new product, a scientifically formulated capsule designed to support healthy aging, is launching with a patent-pending formula, signaling robust intellectual property protection efforts by BioAro. The trademark Longevity+™ further reinforces the company’s brand identity in the competitive global longevity and healthy aging market. Regulatory Pathway and Market Entry in the Emirates The successful attainment of regulatory clearance in the UAE is a pivotal step for BioAro’s international expansion strategy. This approval allows for the commercial launch and distribution of Longevity+™ within the Emirates, positioning the country as a primary market for the product’s introduction. The firm is now poised to pursue further market entries across North America, Europe, the UK, India, and Southeast Asia, leveraging its UAE precedent. Company representatives have indicated that the formulation of Longevity+™ is rooted in extensive precision health research, integrating genomics, metabolomics, and personalized medicine, which aligns with the UAE’s focus on advanced healthcare solutions and regulatory oversight for health-related products. Intellectual Property and Strategic Development The “patent-pending” status for Longevity+™ covers its novel combination of active ingredients and delivery mechanism. This protection of its unique scientific formulation is central to BioAro’s commercial strategy, safeguarding its innovation in the rapidly expanding nutraceutical sector. The company’s approach emphasizes systems-level thinking in supplementation, aiming to restore molecular harmony through a synergistic blend of ingredients. In addition to market launch, BioAro plans to integrate Longevity+™ into its existing clinical longevity programs, which include personalized health assessments and digital wellness tracking. Plans are also underway for clinical pilot studies to be conducted in both Canada and the UAE, focusing on biomarker tracking to validate the product’s outcomes in real-world populations. This scientific validation process, undertaken within the UAE, will contribute to the product’s credibility and regulatory standing. BioAro, a Canadian biotechnology and precision health company, maintains a presence across various regions, including the GCC, affirming its commitment to the regional healthcare landscape. The company specializes in multi-omics and AI-driven diagnostics, integrating genomics and personalized therapeutics into healthcare.

UAE Innovation Recognised with Patent for AI-Powered Sign Language Translation Platform Abu Dhabi, UAE – An innovative AI-powered multilingual sign language translation platform, HearMe, has been awarded a patent, marking a significant development in accessibility technology within the UAE. The platform, developed through collaborative academic research, provides real-time bidirectional translation capabilities crucial for enhancing communication for individuals with hearing impairments. Patent Details and Technological Advancement The patent covers the HearMe application’s unique functionality, which translates signed gestures into written text and converts typed text into animated sign language instantaneously. The system supports multiple sign systems, including American and French sign languages, addressing a critical gap in spontaneous and everyday communication scenarios. This technological achievement is particularly noteworthy for its ability to interpret continuous hand motion and gestures in context, generating natural animated sign language output from text – a complex technical challenge. Alignment with National Inclusion Strategies This patent award underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering innovation that aligns with its national priorities of inclusion, accessibility, and sustainable development. The HearMe platform’s objectives are directly in line with the broader objectives of the UAE National Policy for Empowering People of Determination. Experts involved in its development highlighted its potential to strengthen the participation of individuals with hearing impairments in academic, professional, and social environments. The technology aims to bridge communication gaps in various settings, from classroom exchanges and hospital consultations to workplace meetings and government service interactions. This focus on improving daily interactions is particularly relevant given global statistics, which indicate that over 430 million people worldwide live with disabling hearing loss, a figure projected to exceed 700 million by 2050. Future Development and Impact Originating from undergraduate research at Abu Dhabi University, with contributions from an Associate Professor of Computer Science, the platform’s initial development faced challenges, including limited access to resources during a global lockdown. However, the perseverance in learning and applying machine learning principles from scratch ultimately led to this significant intellectual property milestone. Abu Dhabi University has confirmed its plans to continue developing the HearMe platform. These efforts will be integrated with broader institutional inclusion initiatives, with further rollout anticipated across academic and professional environments. This ongoing commitment signals a continued focus on leveraging technological advancements to create a more accessible and inclusive society within the UAE.

UAE Innovator Strengthens IP Portfolio in Green Mobility Sector Amidst Evolving Regulatory Framework Dubai, UAE – A Dubai-based engineering services company specializing in the conversion of internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) is actively pursuing robust intellectual property (IP) protection for its innovations. This move coincides with the United Arab Emirates’ ongoing efforts to enhance its national patenting processes and its recent accession to key international IP treaties, signaling a maturing legal landscape supportive of technological advancement. Strategic IP Protection for EV Technology The company, established in 2021, initially focused on retrofitting classic cars into EVs and has since expanded its operations to include the electrification of commercial fleets such as buses, vans, and trucks. A core element of its strategy is the proprietary smartphone application developed in-house. This application collects vital performance data, including energy consumption and usage patterns, enabling optimization of fleet efficiency and logistics for commercial clients. To safeguard its technological advancements, the company is currently engaged in the patent application process for this innovative mobile application. Furthermore, it is exploring options to copyright the underlying software code that powers the app, as well as its unique proprietary techniques developed for converting vehicles’ powertrains. This multi-faceted approach to IP protection aims to secure the company’s competitive edge in the rapidly growing green mobility sector. Advancements in UAE’s Intellectual Property Landscape These IP initiatives are taking place against a backdrop of significant developments within the UAE’s legal and regulatory environment for intellectual property. The national IP authorities are actively working to streamline and enhance the user-friendliness of the patenting process, fostering a more conducive environment for innovators. A notable milestone in the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its IP framework was its accession to the Madrid Protocol. The UAE deposited its instrument of accession in September 2021, officially becoming the 109th member of the Madrid System and the third Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country to join, following Bahrain and Oman. The Protocol officially entered into force for the United Arab Emirates on December 28, 2021. This accession provides UAE-based businesses with a more efficient and cost-effective mechanism for registering and managing trademarks internationally, further integrating the nation into the global IP protection network. Implications for Innovation and Commercial Law The strategic pursuit of patents and copyrights by local innovators, coupled with the government’s proactive measures to bolster the IP infrastructure, underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering innovation, particularly in sustainable technologies. For businesses operating within the UAE and looking to expand internationally, these developments highlight the increasing importance of understanding and leveraging national and international IP frameworks to protect their commercial interests and ensure regulatory compliance. The enhanced IP landscape is expected to encourage further investment in research and development, contributing to economic diversification and a knowledge-based economy within the GCC.

UAE Bolsters Agricultural Imports with Significant Avocado Consignment, Highlighting Regulatory Compliance Dubai, UAE – The United Arab Emirates has recently been the destination for a substantial commercial shipment of avocados, underscoring the nation’s role as a prominent market for international agricultural produce. A consignment weighing 70 tonnes was delivered to the UAE via charter flight from Rwanda, marking a notable cross-border commercial transaction in the horticulture sector. The arrival of this large-scale shipment highlights the intricate commercial frameworks and regulatory compliance essential for international trade in perishable goods. The transaction involved connecting an organised network of smallholder farmers with buyers in the UAE, facilitated by market access initiatives designed to streamline agricultural exports. Central to the success of such imports is adherence to stringent international and domestic regulations. The exporting entity confirmed its focus on strengthening packaging, ensuring rigorous quality assurance, and maintaining phytosanitary compliance to meet the demanding requirements of the importing market. These measures are critical for agricultural products entering the UAE, aligning with the nation’s standards for food safety and import quality. The operation also demonstrated the logistical complexities involved in sourcing produce from diverse networks and delivering it to international buyers, showcasing the importance of a seamless supply chain. The ability to meet buyer specifications and navigate export logistics is paramount for sustained commercial relationships within the global food trade. This event reflects the UAE’s ongoing engagement in diverse international trade partnerships and its robust regulatory environment for agricultural imports.

Emirati Innovator Secures International Patents with Governmental Support Abu Dhabi, UAE – An Emirati engineer, Reem Al Marzouqi, has successfully secured a US patent and a Japanese patent for her pioneering invention: a foot-controlled car designed for individuals with limited or no arm mobility. This significant achievement underscores the UAE government’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting intellectual property protection within the nation. The patented design addresses a crucial need for accessibility, offering a novel solution for mobility challenges. The inventor highlighted that the process of obtaining these international patents was substantially facilitated by the direct support provided by a governmental university in the UAE. Facilitating Intellectual Property Rights The journey to secure international patents often involves considerable financial, legal, and administrative complexities. Al Marzouqi confirmed that the governmental university played a critical role in navigating these challenges, managing the necessary legal interventions, and providing financial resources for the extensive documentation required. This institutional backing significantly alleviated the typical burdens associated with global patent applications, allowing the innovator to focus on creative development. This direct governmental assistance for patent acquisition exemplifies the strategic efforts within the UAE to build a robust ecosystem for innovation. Such support is crucial for inventors, as it streamlines the complex process of protecting their intellectual property globally, thereby encouraging further development and application of novel solutions. Broader Impact on National Innovation The successful acquisition of these patents, particularly with direct governmental facilitation, serves as a notable example of the opportunities available to innovators within the UAE. It highlights a legal and regulatory environment that actively promotes scientific and technological advancements by safeguarding the rights of inventors. The emphasis on providing comprehensive support, from conceptualisation to international patent registration, aligns with the UAE’s broader vision of becoming a global hub for innovation and advanced technology. This framework is designed to empower local talent to contribute to global progress while ensuring their intellectual creations are legally recognised and protected on an international scale.

GCC Patent Landscape: Evolution, Challenges, and Future Reforms The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region continues to develop its unified patent framework, aiming to foster innovation and protect intellectual property rights across its member states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. While significant strides have been made since the establishment of the GCC Patent Office, the system faces ongoing challenges in enforcement and regulatory coherence, alongside proposals for modernisation. Foundations of the GCC Patent System Established in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 1992, the GCC Patent Office began accepting applications in 1998, offering a unitary patent right across all GCC nations. The core regulations, amended in 2000 to incorporate a novelty requirement, are largely compliant with the TRIPS Agreement. A distinctive feature of the GCC framework is the prerequisite that inventions must not conflict with Shari’ah law, in addition to meeting criteria for novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. Upon the grant of a GCC patent, the decision is publicly announced in the official gazette. Interested parties have a three-month window from this publication to file an invalidation action before the GCC Patent Grievances Committee. Past committee decisions indicate a strict adherence to this three-month jurisdictional limit for reviewing invalidation actions. Appeals against the Committee’s decisions are heard by the Administrative Court in Riyadh, as Saudi Arabia serves as the host state for the GCC Patent Office. Routes to Patent Protection Across the GCC Innovators seeking patent protection in the GCC have various avenues. Most member states – Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE – offer national patent filing options, recognise priority rights under the Paris Convention, and participate in the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) system. Kuwait, however, streamlined its approach in April 2016, discontinuing the acceptance of new national patent applications. Applicants in Kuwait are now directed to file their patent applications through the GCC Patent Office, though the country remains part of the PCT system. The GCC Patent Office itself permits direct filings and recognises 12 months’ priority, but it is not a direct participant in the Paris Convention or PCT system for direct application routes. A critical procedural aspect across all GCC countries is the requirement for all filing and prosecution documents to be in Arabic. This necessitates accurate translation, with expert review of at least the claims strongly advised to prevent future enforcement complications. Professional Practice and Regulatory Gaps The patent agent and attorney profession within the GCC currently lacks a unified, region-wide professional regulatory body. While individual national patent offices license firms to operate before them, there is no mandated separate qualification akin to a ‘patent attorney.’ This absence has, in some instances, led to difficulties for applicants due to inadequate understanding of patent law and practice by certain representatives. Although the UAE Patent Office has historically shown leniency towards applicants prejudiced by agent errors, continued discretion is not guaranteed. The development of patent practice in the region is arguably hindered by this regulatory gap. Litigation Challenges and Emerging Jurisprudence Patent litigation in the GCC has remained relatively limited, attributed to several factors: the nascent stage of patent systems, the small number of granted patents, and a scarcity of published court decisions that could clarify judicial interpretations of patent law principles. Furthermore, there has been a noted lack of specialist judges and technical experts to adjudicate such complex cases. Recent developments aim to address some of these issues. In the UAE, a dedicated Intellectual Property division was established within the Federal Court in 2017, staffed by judges receiving specialised IP training. This division has shown efficiency in case management. Conversely, proposed amendments in Saudi Arabia, which have yet to be enacted, could potentially disband the specialist Patent Committee, transferring patent-related civil cases to the criminal division of the Board of Grievances, a move that could be seen as a setback. A notable obstacle for patentees is the reluctance of industry to fully engage with regional patent systems due to concerns about enforceability. This apprehension was underscored by a recent UAE court decision refusing to enforce a GCC patent, citing the absence of necessary local implementing regulations. Saudi Arabia, with its longer-established patent system and larger market, has seen the most patent-related litigation, particularly in pharmaceutical and petrochemical sectors. Saudi courts also handle the revocation of GCC patents. However, securing damages in infringement lawsuits in Saudi Arabia remains challenging due to Shari’ah law’s stringent requirements for proving a direct causal link for damages. Consequently, no plaintiff is known to have been awarded damages, and despite statutory provisions for injunctions, no such order has been granted to date. Complexity of Revocation and Infringement Revocation of a GCC patent presents a complex legal landscape due to perceived gaps in the GCC Patent Law, the limited jurisdiction of the Patent Grievances Committee (three months post-publication), and the devolution of enforceability issues to individual member states. Infringement proceedings can only commence after a patent grant and must be initiated in the country where the infringement occurs. In cases involving GCC patents, if invalidity is raised as a defence, revocation proceedings must be brought in Saudi Arabia, as supported by case law such as Decision of Committee No. 52/1432 H. Lundbeck AS v. SPIMACO, which affirmed the Saudi Patent Committee’s jurisdiction over GCC patent enforcement and the acceptability of invalidity as a defence. This can lead to delays if infringement cases in other GCC states are stayed pending revocation decisions in Saudi Arabia, potentially frustrating patentees in a region where interim injunctions are rare. For UAE national patents, infringement cases are filed in the specific Emirate of infringement, creating potential jurisdictional overlaps with Federal Courts handling revocation. Calls for Modernisation of GCC Patent Law There is a recognised need to update the GCC Patent Law, which is considered older than many national patent laws within the Council States. Key proposals for amendment include: General updating of the legal framework. Introducing protection for Utility Models. Ensuring better compliance with international agreements like the Patent Law Treaty

GCC Company Files Patent for Advanced Blast Protection System in UAE and Saudi Arabia A GCC-based entity, Mobile Land Systems (MLS), has recently filed a patent application in both the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The intellectual property filing pertains to the innovative design of its Falcon V-Hull Blast Protection system. This development signifies a notable step in the region’s contribution to advanced engineering and intellectual property generation. The Falcon V-Hull system, designed in collaboration with survivability experts and engineering teams based in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, is intended for integration into mine-protected vehicles. The company asserts that the system offers substantial protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and landmines, engineered to comply with the comprehensive standards outlined in STANAG 4569. Industry representatives highlighted the increasing importance of robust blast protection given contemporary threats, underscoring the commitment to enhancing safety for personnel operating such vehicles. Regional Manufacturing and Development Expansion Beyond the patent filing, MLS has demonstrated a sustained commitment to regional manufacturing and development. The company launched its Viper MRAP (mine-resistant ambush protected) vehicle during the UAE Summer Trials in 2018, subsequently unveiling the product at IDEX in February. Notably, the Viper MRAP is distinguished as a vehicle designed and developed entirely within the UAE and Saudi Arabia, underscoring regional self-reliance in this specialized manufacturing sector. MLS is also expanding its operational footprint within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with plans to establish additional manufacturing infrastructure in 2020 to produce its range of vehicles. This expansion follows the establishment of a 35,000m² production complex in the UAE in 2015, aimed at fostering local industry development. Furthermore, the company initiated an integration and support facility in Saudi Arabia in 2016, specifically to support vehicles utilized by the Saudi Armed Forces. These strategic investments highlight a growing trend of localizing advanced manufacturing and technological development within the GCC.

UAE Entity Secures Patent for Advanced Solar Technology Dubai, UAE – Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), through its Research and Development (R&D) Centre, has been granted a patent by the UK’s Intellectual Property Office for an innovative system designed to measure atmospheric attenuation. This development reinforces the UAE’s growing intellectual property portfolio and commitment to innovation in the energy sector. Innovative System for Enhanced Solar Project Efficiency The newly patented system provides a sophisticated method for identifying optimal locations for solar towers and heliostats within Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) projects. It achieves this through precise calculations derived from data collected by an autonomous vehicle and a drone, enabling meticulous assessment of atmospheric factors, such as dust, that can affect solar energy capture. This invention offers a more efficient and accurate alternative to traditional radiation measurement techniques, which typically rely on fixed installations located at considerable distances. By providing localised and precise data, the system is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of CSP systems, allowing for better control over heliostat direction to maximise solar radiation utilisation. Alignment with National Innovation Objectives DEWA’s leadership highlighted that this patent aligns with the UAE’s strategic vision to foster creativity and innovation. The initiative supports national objectives such as UAE Centennial 2071, which aims for the UAE to be a global leader, and the National Innovation Strategy, which seeks to position the UAE among the most innovative nations worldwide. It also contributes to the Dubai Innovation Strategy, aspiring to make Dubai the most innovative city globally. The patent underscores a commitment to enriching scientific knowledge and advancing the clean and renewable energy sectors through specialized research. Practical Application in Major Projects The technology’s significance is further underscored by DEWA’s extensive use of CSP in the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. Specifically, the 950 MW fourth phase of the park, which represents the world’s largest single-site investment project combining CSP and photovoltaic (PV) technologies under an Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, stands to benefit. This phase incorporates 700MW from CSP (600MW from a parabolic basin complex and 100MW from a solar tower) and 250MW from photovoltaic solar panels. Notably, it will feature the world’s tallest solar tower, measuring 262.44 metres, with a substantial thermal storage capacity of 15 hours, ensuring round-the-clock energy availability. The successful registration of this patent marks a notable intellectual property achievement for a UAE government entity, reflecting the nation’s ongoing efforts to lead in scientific and technological advancements within the energy domain.