Doha: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), in collaboration with Qatar Development Bank (QDB), organized an awareness workshop aimed at preserving and protecting intellectual property rights. The event saw participation from numerous entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
According to Qatar News Agency, the workshop is part of MoCI's ongoing efforts to enhance the intellectual property protection framework and to raise awareness about its significance in fostering an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship. This initiative aims to bolster the development of a competitive and sustainable private sector.
The primary objective of the workshop was to empower entrepreneurs and SME owners by helping them understand their intellectual property rights and clarifying the legal and regulatory protection mechanisms available to them. This understanding is intended to contribute to the creation of a secure business environment that encourages innovation.
Key topics covered in the workshop included the definition of intellectual property as per approved regulations, the importance of safeguarding intellectual property rights within the business environment, and an overview of various intellectual property areas such as trademarks, patents, copyrights, and related rights. Procedures for registering these with the MoCI and methods for protecting rights in cases of infringement or violation were also discussed.
Additionally, the workshop shed light on QDB's programs and legal services that support startups, including a trademark registration grant. This grant assists companies in registering their intellectual property rights, encompassing patents, trademarks, and copyrights. The workshop shared success stories of several companies that have benefited from this service in registering their trademarks.
The event concluded with an open discussion session where specialists addressed participants' questions, underscoring the role of intellectual property protection in attracting investment, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable growth.