The Ministry of Commerce and Industry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to promote education in intellectual property (IP) law.

The MoU’s objective is to contribute to the development of human resources in IP law through teaching and practical skills development in the HBKU Law’s J.D., LL.M. and S.J.D. degree programs. WIPO will provide expertise under the terms of the agreement.

Commenting on the MoU’s significance, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Qassim Al-Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, observed that: “The Ministry is pleased to conclude this Memorandum of Understanding that upholds our national strategy for IP protection in order to provide services and academic programs in Qatar that effectively develop IP capacities and support Qatar’s ongoing efforts in building a knowledge-based economy. This partnership is also vital in enhancing our long-term cooperation with the World Intellectual Property Organization.”

WIPO Director General Daren Tang welcomed the signing of the MoU and pledged WIPO’s support in implementing it: “WIPO is pleased to continue its cooperation with Qatar by sharing its expertise in the building of innovation and IP related skills and knowledge with HBKU, an institution that is a strong advocate for innovation in Qatar and abroad, and to support Qatar’s expansion of its knowledge-based economy.”

Dr. Ahmad Hasnah, HBKU President, observed that “Working with WIPO and MOCI will enable HBKU to lead a conversation about IP law in Qatar among a broad constituency, including the government, international organizations, researchers and educators, business, and the legal profession.  Further, it will help establish Qatar as a regional IP educational hub, and this is particularly key as Qatar has become a magnet for research and technology with HBKU at the forefront of this effort.”

The MoU aims to achieve long-term educational goals by strengthening cooperation and partnership among three sectors: the governmental, international, and educational sectors, and by focusing on IP education in Qatar and abroad.

The IP legal regime protects inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, and images, and includes legal concepts such as patents, copyright, and trademarks. 

WIPO is the global forum for intellectual property policy, services, information, and cooperation. A specialized agency of the United Nations, WIPO helps its 193 member states in developing a balanced international IP legal framework to meet society’s evolving needs.