UAE and Korea Deepen Intellectual Property Collaboration with Focus on AI Integration Dubai, UAE – The United Arab Emirates and South Korea are set to significantly expand their cooperation in the realm of intellectual property (IP), with a particular emphasis on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into patent administration. This development follows a high-level meeting between officials from the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism’s intellectual property sector and the Korea Institute of Intellectual Property Promotion (KIPRO). The discussions, which took place on the 5th, underscored a mutual commitment to advancing technology-intensive areas within IP, notably through the potential adoption of an AI-based patent evaluation system in the UAE. Strategic Partnership in Patent Examination For over a decade, the two nations have maintained a robust partnership in patent examination. Since 2014, KIPRO has supported the examination of patents filed in the UAE through a dedicated agency project. This collaboration has proven financially successful, with cumulative exports of patent examination support projected to reach $23 million by 2025. In a move to solidify the institutional framework for this advanced cooperation, a patent application for an “AI-based patent evaluation system” was recently filed in the UAE, paving the way for its potential local implementation and export. Advancing Patent Administration Through AI The recent meeting progressed beyond conventional patent examination support, concentrating on achieving qualitative advancements in patent administration through the application of AI technology. Key areas of discussion included: Reviewing the achievements and ongoing progress of the Korea-UAE patent examination cooperation. Exploring strategies to enhance the efficiency of patent administration via the introduction of an AI-based evaluation system. Identifying further avenues to strengthen the strategic intellectual property partnership between the two countries. The UAE expressed substantial interest in KIPRO’s expertise and systems related to AI-based patent evaluation, recognizing its potential to accelerate the digital transformation of the Emirates’ intellectual property infrastructure. Long-Term Vision for IP Development Officials from KIPRO highlighted that this latest meeting marks a significant milestone, evolving the 12-year collaborative trust into an advanced stage of partnership, moving beyond mere task outsourcing. They anticipate that cooperation on the AI-based patent evaluation system will not only enable the export of a high-value intellectual property system but also empower the UAE to establish an advanced patent administration framework. This strategic alliance is expected to yield substantial benefits for both nations, aligning with broader governmental initiatives to diversify exports and strengthen engagements with the Middle East.

UAE Ministry of Economy Grants Patent for Innovative COVID-19 Stem Cell Therapy Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Ministry of Economy in the United Arab Emirates has issued a patent for a groundbreaking stem cell treatment aimed at combating COVID-19 infections. This legal recognition underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering innovation in medical science and securing intellectual property rights for significant local developments. The patented treatment, developed by a team of medical professionals and researchers at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center (ADSCC), utilizes an innovative method for collecting and preparing stem cells. The core of the patent covers this unique approach to extracting stem cells from a patient’s own blood, activating them, and subsequently reintroducing them. Reported clinical applications within the UAE have seen the treatment administered to 73 COVID-19 patients, all of whom have reportedly recovered from the virus. The therapy involves the nebulization of the activated stem cells into a fine mist, which patients then inhale into their lungs. The therapeutic mechanism is hypothesized to involve the regeneration of lung cells and the modulation of the immune response, aiming to prevent the overreaction that can cause damage to healthy cells during a COVID-19 infection. The treatment has successfully completed its initial phase of clinical trials, demonstrating its safety. No immediate adverse effects were reported by patients who received the treatment, nor were any interactions found with established conventional treatment protocols for COVID-19. Trials to establish the efficacy of the treatment are currently underway and are expected to conclude in the coming weeks. It is important to note that this stem cell therapy is intended to be used as an adjunct to existing medical interventions, rather than as a replacement for conventional treatment protocols. The granting of this patent represents a significant step in the UAE’s efforts to contribute to the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, reinforcing the importance of intellectual property protection in advancing public health solutions. The Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center continues to be a hub for cell therapy, regenerative medicine, and advanced stem cell research.

Abu Dhabi Forges Key Health Tech Partnership for National Biological-Age Model Abu Dhabi, UAE – A significant collaboration in health technology has been formalised in Abu Dhabi, as a Bengaluru-based health tech firm known for its smart rings has entered into a two-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center (ADPHC). The partnership aims to develop and validate a comprehensive biological-age model, with the ambitious goal of making it accessible to individuals across the entire United Arab Emirates. The initiative signifies a strategic move by Abu Dhabi authorities to integrate advanced health algorithms and wearable technology data into public health frameworks. The biological-age model is designed to synthesise clinical biomarkers with data collected from wearable devices, providing insights into an individual’s aging process and identifying contributing factors such as sleep patterns, physical activity, cardiovascular health, and metabolic indicators. This collaboration marks a notable expansion for the health tech company beyond its hardware sales, positioning it as a significant player in health data analytics. The firm views its smart rings as a mechanism for data acquisition, with a core focus on leveraging this data to underpin algorithms in longevity and other health domains. A crucial aspect of this government partnership is the opportunity to apply advanced algorithms to a much broader population base than a private customer segment. The health age model is intended to be wearable-agnostic, capable of integrating data from various devices including rings, wrist devices, straps, and patches, alongside traditional clinical biomarkers. Upon its broader rollout, individuals are expected to access their health age insights through established government digital health platforms, such as TAMM and Sahatna. The two-year MOU period will be dedicated to rigorous research and clinical validation of the model. Emphasising regulatory compliance and data privacy, the health tech firm has stated that while the model will be deployed using data from the UAE, it will not have access to personally identifiable information through the programme. The underlying biological-age model itself was developed using existing global data, combining users’ chronological ages with wearable signals and, in some instances, blood-test markers, to track health marker changes over time and identify deviations. This development follows a trend within Abu Dhabi to leverage technological advancements for preventive health. The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi previously announced a separate partnership with another smart-ring manufacturer to combine wearable data with the emirate’s longitudinal health data, with an initial focus on women’s health and cardiometabolic risk. This underscores the government’s proactive approach in engaging with technology firms to enhance public health outcomes and regulatory frameworks related to health data.

Navigating the AI Frontier: Emerging Legal Strategies for Protecting Personal Likeness and Intellectual Property The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is presenting novel challenges to existing legal frameworks, particularly concerning intellectual property rights, commercial law, and the protection of individual likeness and voice. As AI tools become increasingly sophisticated in replicating human attributes, legal experts globally are exploring innovative strategies to safeguard personal identity and prevent misuse in commercial contexts. This evolving landscape holds significant implications for regulatory compliance and corporate governance across the GCC, as jurisdictions worldwide grapple with establishing clear boundaries in the digital realm. Trademarking Likeness: A Proactive Stance Against AI Misappropriation A notable development in this area involves proactive measures taken by public figures to secure legal protection for their image and vocal attributes. Reports indicate that a prominent actor has successfully registered eight trademark applications aimed at safeguarding his likeness and voice from unauthorised use by AI. These trademarks are understood to cover various aspects of his public persona, including specific imagery and quotations from his work, with the explicit goal of establishing a clear perimeter of ownership. The stated intent behind these trademark registrations is to ensure that any deployment of the actor’s voice or likeness is contingent upon his express approval and consent. This approach underscores a growing desire among individuals to maintain control over their digital identities and commercial endorsements in an AI-driven environment, promoting a norm of consent and attribution. Addressing the Gaps in Existing Legal Frameworks While many jurisdictions possess “right-of-publicity” laws designed to prevent the commercial use of an individual’s likeness without consent, the advent of generative AI introduces complexities that challenge the adequacy of these existing provisions. Legal commentators suggest that supplementary measures, such as enhanced trademark protections, may serve as an effective deterrent against potential misuse by AI technologies. The entertainment industry has also begun to integrate new contractual protections into agreements, specifically addressing AI representations. For instance, recent industry negotiations have resulted in provisions aimed at preventing the creation of AI-generated replicas of performers without their explicit consent. However, some legal scholars advocate for even stronger safeguards, proposing rights that would empower estates to ensure digital deletion and prevent “digital resurrection” of deceased individuals, highlighting the profound ethical and legal dimensions of AI. Global Implications for Commercial and Regulatory Landscape These international discussions and legal innovations underscore a critical need for jurisdictions worldwide, including those in the GCC, to continuously evaluate and adapt their legal and regulatory frameworks. The protection of intellectual property, commercial rights, and individual privacy in the age of AI is paramount. As businesses increasingly leverage AI, the clarity of laws governing digital likeness and content generation will be crucial for fostering innovation while ensuring ethical compliance and preventing commercial exploitation. The ongoing global dialogue provides valuable insights for developing robust legal frameworks that address the unique challenges presented by advanced AI technologies.

Sharjah Free Zone Bolsters Intellectual Property Protection for Businesses Through Ministry Partnership Sharjah, UAE – A significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been inked between the Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone and the Intellectual Property Sector of the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, aiming to enhance and streamline trademark registration services for businesses operating within the Free Zone. This collaboration underscores the UAE’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its intellectual property (IP) framework and fostering a competitive business environment. The agreement was formalized on the sidelines of the Sharjah Investment Forum, with high-ranking officials from both entities signing the MoU. The initiative is set to simplify access for SPC Free Zone-based companies to essential trademark registration services provided by the Ministry. Facilitating Trademark Registration and IP Safeguards Under the terms of the MoU, the SPC Free Zone will now offer trademark registration services directly to its clientele upon request. This move is designed to provide investors and entrepreneurs with more convenient access to crucial government services in intellectual property protection. Officials highlighted that safeguarding intellectual property and brands is paramount for business growth and sustainability. The partnership aims to equip businesses with the necessary tools to protect their creations, compete effectively, and expand confidently into new markets. Beyond direct registration services, the cooperation extends to providing technical advice and guidance on the trademark registration system. It also includes comprehensive training for SPC Free Zone employees on the system’s usage and applications, along with specialized courses to deepen their understanding of IP protection mechanisms. Furthermore, the two parties will engage in the exchange of publications, promotional materials, and expertise, while organizing joint meetings, workshops, and conferences focused on investment and business setup services. UAE’s Commitment to a Robust IP Ecosystem The Ministry of Economy and Tourism reiterated its dedication to evolving the UAE’s legislative framework and service ecosystem to robustly protect intellectual property rights and trademarks. This ongoing development is central to enhancing business competitiveness and stimulating innovation across various economic sectors. Ministry data reveals a strong focus on IP protection, with 17,230 national and international trademarks registered during the first half of 2026. Additionally, over the past three years, the Ministry has launched more than 60 impactful initiatives, averaging over 20 annually, to fortify the IP, innovation, and creativity landscape in the nation. This MoU is viewed as a critical step in enabling and protecting innovation within the publishing sector and the broader creative industries, particularly by facilitating easy access to trademark services and implementing joint awareness campaigns. Strategic Impact for Free Zone Enterprises Established in 2017 under the Sharjah Book Authority, the SPC Free Zone is recognized as a pioneering hub globally, offering companies in the publishing, creative, and allied industries a tax-free environment with 100% ownership. This new partnership is expected to further enhance the appeal of the Free Zone by adding a vital layer of legal and regulatory support for its diverse business community. Joint awareness programs will also be organized to educate investors and entrepreneurs on the importance of IP rights and encourage them to utilize the Ministry’s trademark registration services effectively.

UAE Ministry and Sharjah Free Zone Partner to Bolster Trademark Protection and Business Growth Sharjah, UAE – The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone. This collaboration aims to significantly enhance access to trademark registration and investment services, fortifying intellectual property (IP) protection, and offering more integrated services for investors and entrepreneurs operating within the Free Zone. The signing took place on the sidelines of the Sharjah Investment Forum, formalising a commitment to streamline processes for businesses and safeguard their brands. Strengthening Intellectual Property Frameworks The MoU was executed by H.E. Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and SPC Free Zone, and H.E. Dr Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant Undersecretary for the Intellectual Property Sector at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. According to H.E. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, this partnership will simplify the trademark registration process for SPC Free Zone businesses, allowing them to better protect their intellectual property and establish stronger foundations for future expansion. The initiative aligns with a broader vision to provide entrepreneurs and investors with comprehensive access to essential services, expertise, and support necessary for safeguarding creations, fostering competitiveness, and facilitating entry into new markets. National Commitment to IP Development H.E. Dr. Al Muaini underscored the UAE’s continuous efforts to evolve its legislative framework and service ecosystem concerning the protection of intellectual property rights and trademarks. These ongoing developments are designed to boost business competitiveness and stimulate innovation across diverse economic sectors. He noted that the Ministry recorded 17,230 national and international trademark registrations during the first half of 2026. Furthermore, over the past three years, more than 60 impactful initiatives have been launched to strengthen the nation’s environment for IP, innovation, and creativity, averaging more than 20 initiatives annually. The Ministry of Economy and Tourism is dedicated to expanding cooperation with entities that serve investors and entrepreneurs, aiming to streamline procedures and elevate awareness regarding the critical importance of intellectual property protection. The MoU with Sharjah Publishing City is seen as a pivotal step in enabling and protecting innovation within the publishing sector and the broader creative industries. Facilitating Access and Awareness Under the terms of the MoU, SPC Free Zone will make trademark registration services directly available to its customers upon request, ensuring easier access to the Ministry’s offerings in this domain. Key elements of the cooperation include: Providing technical advice and guidance on the national trademark registration system. Delivering training to SPC Free Zone employees on the system’s usage and various applications. Organising specialised training courses to deepen understanding of the service and its operational mechanisms. Facilitating the exchange of publications, promotional materials, information, and expertise between the two parties. Co-organising joint meetings, workshops, and conferences focused on investment and government services for business establishment. Developing and implementing joint awareness programmes to educate investors and entrepreneurs on the significance of protecting intellectual property rights and encourage utilisation of the Ministry’s trademark registration services. Established in 2017 as an integral part of the Sharjah Book Authority, SPC Free Zone is globally recognised as the first of its kind, offering companies within the publishing, creative, and allied industries a tax-free environment with 100% corporate ownership. Its strategic proximity to major airports and seaports provides businesses with immediate access to global trade routes and opportunities.

GCC Businesses Face Emerging IP Risks from AI Models: Call for New Patent Frameworks Dubai, UAE – As businesses across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) increasingly integrate advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) models into their operations, a critical discussion has emerged globally regarding the protection of proprietary intellectual property (IP). Industry leaders are highlighting a growing concern that enterprise customers could inadvertently expose their core IP when utilising sophisticated AI systems, prompting calls for novel legal frameworks, including new forms of patents, to safeguard commercial knowledge. The “Reverse Information Paradox” and IP Vulnerabilities The essence of the concern lies in what has been termed the “reverse information paradox.” Unlike traditional software purchases where intellectual property is acquired and protected, the use of leading AI models often necessitates feeding vast amounts of a user’s proprietary data and knowledge into the system for optimal performance. This process, essential for customising and refining AI outputs, inadvertently risks the disclosure and potential appropriation of valuable corporate IP. Leading AI providers typically maintain strict policies against training their foundational models on copyrighted client content. However, the inherent learning mechanisms of AI – where models “learn from ‘exhaust,’ the prompts people write, the tools agents use, and especially the corrections people make when the model is wrong” – mean that institutional know-how is continuously distilled into the AI’s understanding. This raises fundamental questions about data privacy and the potential for unintended IP leakage. Industry Concerns Over Data Utilisation and Copycat Products Concerns are being voiced by various technology executives, who warn that businesses are becoming wary of the potential for AI providers to leverage client data. There is an apprehension that AI companies could inadvertently or deliberately use the knowledge gained from enterprise interactions to develop competing products or services. Examples cited include instances where AI providers have launched specialized AI services in categories already served by companies building on top of their general models, leading to fears of “blindsiding” partners or clients. This dynamic creates a significant challenge for businesses in the GCC and globally, as they seek to harness AI for innovation and efficiency without jeopardizing their competitive edge through IP compromise. The potential for IP theft could deter enterprise adoption of leading AI models, pushing companies towards more open-source alternatives where they might have greater control over their data environment. A Call for AI-Specific Intellectual Property Protections In response to these emerging challenges, a prominent technology CEO has proposed the need for a new category of intellectual property protection, akin to patents, specifically tailored for the AI age. This proposed framework would aim to protect an inventor’s or company’s proprietary ideas and knowledge when they are disclosed and processed by AI models, preventing infringement and ensuring fair economic value distribution. The current intellectual property landscape, primarily designed for tangible inventions and creative works, may not fully address the nuances of AI’s learning and knowledge generation. If the “learning flows in only one direction,” concentrating economic value with the owners of the AI learning infrastructure rather than the creators of the original knowledge, it could stifle innovation and create an uneven playing field. Implications for GCC Legal Frameworks and Business Strategy For GCC nations, which are rapidly investing in digital transformation and AI adoption across various sectors, these global discussions underscore the urgent need to review and potentially adapt existing legal and regulatory frameworks. Protecting intellectual property in the AI era is paramount for fostering local innovation, attracting foreign investment, and ensuring the secure growth of AI-driven industries. Businesses operating in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman will need to carefully consider the contractual terms of their AI service agreements and advocate for robust safeguards that protect their proprietary data and strategic insights. The development of clear guidelines and perhaps new IP categories will be crucial for maintaining trust and accelerating responsible AI deployment throughout the region.

UAE Innovator Secures US Patents for Breakthrough Quantum Technology Abu Dhabi, UAE – An inventor and professor based in the United Arab Emirates has been granted two significant patents by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for innovations in quantum technology. Dr. Montasir Qasymeh, an electrical engineering professor at Abu Dhabi University (ADU), received recognition for his work that holds potential to substantially advance various industries. The first patent, titled ‘Frequency-tunable quantum microwave to the optical conversion process’, details an innovative methodology. This method is designed for mapping protons by leveraging low-noise microwave technology to achieve optical field conversion through the use of graphene layers. The second patent was awarded for an invention named ‘Frequency-tunable quantum microwave to optical conversion system’. These patented inventions are poised to bring transformative changes in areas such as quantum computations, advanced microwave technology, and optical communication. Technical Innovation and Application At the core of these patents is a sophisticated graphene structure. This structure functions as a high-performance quantum modulator, engineered to receive microvolt signals via microwave technology and subsequently generate optical photons at the quantum level. The design incorporates interconnected graphene layers arranged in an interdigital configuration, allowing the structure to operate both electronically as a capacitor and optically as a periodic medium. Dr. Qasymeh highlighted the profound implications of these advancements, stating that the technology aims to unlock new frontiers in computing power, communication security, and information processing. A key application identified for this quantum microwave-to-optical transduction system is its integration into the construction of modular quantum superconducting computers. By utilizing optical fibres, the system can facilitate the interconnection of distributed superconducting cryostats and processors within quantum computing architectures, representing a significant leap in computational capabilities. Commitment to Research and Development The securing of these patents underscores the UAE’s growing contribution to global innovation and intellectual property development. Dr. Qasymeh acknowledged the crucial support from Abu Dhabi University in fostering cutting-edge research and cultivating an environment conducive to scientific breakthroughs. Dr. Hamdi Sheibani, Dean of the College of Engineering at ADU, affirmed that these patents are valuable additions to the existing intellectual property portfolio of the university’s faculty members. He emphasized that these achievements reflect ADU’s steadfast commitment to fostering a culture centered on innovation and scientific inquiry, aimed at generating a collective global impact.

UAE Patent Office Grants Key Allowance for Biotechnology Innovation Abu Dhabi, UAE – A significant development in the intellectual property landscape of the UAE has seen the national Patent Office issue a Notice of Allowance for a patent application related to the prevention and treatment of inflammatory conditions. The allowance, designated UAE Patent No. P6000687/2017, was granted to a biotechnology firm specializing in Natural Killer T (NKT) cell modulators. This patent allowance reinforces the company’s robust intellectual property strategy within the field of immunomodulatory platforms. The granted claims specifically cover novel type 2 diverse NKT cell agonists, along with associated methodologies and compositions designed for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory conditions. This expansion bolsters the firm’s existing patent portfolio, underpinning therapeutic approaches targeting immune pathways implicated across a spectrum of inflammatory, fibrotic, and autoimmune diseases. The UAE’s Patent Office decision is viewed as strategically important, given the Emirates’ position as a dynamic and rapidly expanding healthcare market. The country serves as a pivotal gateway to the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. By securing patent protection within this jurisdiction, the biotechnology company significantly enhances its global intellectual property footprint for its dNKT cell agonist program. This move is expected to support future regional collaborations, licensing prospects, and long-term commercialization strategies within the burgeoning healthcare sector. This latest allowance underscores the proactive approach to intellectual property protection, which is critical for fostering innovation and securing market exclusivity for advanced biotechnological solutions.