The UAE Ministry of Economy has reported a remarkable increase in intellectual property (IP) registrations in the UAE during the first nine months of 2024, underscoring the effectiveness of national initiatives aimed at cultivating an innovation-driven environment.
There has been a significant uptick in the registration of trademarks, patents, and utility certificates, reflecting advancements in supporting research and development (R&D) as well as entrepreneurship across various economic and scientific domains.
Statistics on IP registrations
During this period, IP registrations in the UAE surged by 34.3 percent, with trademark registrations rising by 39.12 percent. Additionally, there was an 8 percent increase in patents, utility certificates, and industrial designs compared to the same timeframe in 2023. The Ministry recorded a total of 1,884 IP works, a notable increase from 1,402 in the previous year, resulting in a cumulative total of 20,389.
Growing demand across sectors
There has been growing demand for IP registration across diverse sectors, with the Ministry receiving 1,946 applications—an impressive 53.23 percent rise from last year’s 1,270 applications. Furthermore, 153 reports of IP violations were filed, and 209 applications for the registration of importers and distributors of IP rights were processed, reflecting a 26.67 percent growth.
As of September 2024, the UAE welcomed 18,175 new trademarks, marking a 39 percent increase from the prior year. The Ministry processed 24,258 trademark registration applications and addressed 8,171 trademark inquiries, bringing the total number of active trademarks in UAE markets to 356,408.
The statistics also indicate an 8 percent rise in registered patents, utility certificates, and industrial designs, culminating in a total of 15,051 by the end of September 2024. The number of registration applications increased by 3.8 percent, with 3,489 applications submitted compared to the same period in 2023.
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Commitment to a robust IP ecosystem
Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, remarked that these outcomes highlight the UAE’s dedication to establishing a robust IP ecosystem that aligns with global standards, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and creativity in driving economic growth. The Ministry has prioritized the advancement of legislation and the launch of comprehensive initiatives for both industrial and creative sectors.
Al Saleh further emphasized the Ministry’s commitment, in collaboration with public and private sector partners, to provide all necessary resources to bolster the growth and competitiveness of the IP sector. This aligns with the aspirations of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, which aims to position the UAE among the world’s top 10 destinations for global talent.
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