UAE signs MoUs with Spain and Morocco to enhance cooperation in industrial property, patent registration, knowledge exchange, and capacity building

Collaboration to foster scientific research and innovation activities, as well as the localization of AI applications in patent management, search, and classification

The Ministry of Economy and Tourism signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office and the Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property, aimed at strengthening cooperation in the development of the UAE’s intellectual property (IP) system and its various applications, in line with global best practices.

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, witnessed the signing of the MoUs on the sidelines of the UAE delegation’s participation in the 66th Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), held in Geneva. The scope of cooperation outlined in the MoUs covers several key areas, with a particular focus on enhancing the intellectual property landscape through digital transformation, talent development, and strengthened coordination and collaboration in industrial property and patent registration.

H.E. Bin Touq emphasized that the agreements reflect the UAE’s ongoing efforts to enhance its IP ecosystem and expand collaboration with international partners to further develop the institutional and legislative infrastructure related to innovation. He noted that partnerships with Spain and Morocco mark a key milestone in the exchange of expertise in patent registration and industrial property, as well as in the adoption of advanced digital tools, such as AI, in search and classification.

H.E. said: “We are committed to adopting global best practices to build a flexible intellectual property (IP) system that streamlines registration processes, strengthens compliance, and expands targeted training programs for technical professionals. These efforts will empower innovators and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enhance the competitiveness of the national economy, and support the UAE’s broader vision of transitioning to a sustainable, knowledge-based economy driven by technology and scientific research.”

MoU with Spanish Patent and Trademark Office

In detail, the Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office to enhance cooperation across a range of areas and applications related to intellectual property (IP) protection and patent registration. The agreement covers the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and best practices in managing and protecting IP rights, as well as supporting scientific research, fostering innovation, and promoting the localization of emerging technologies — including the use of AI in patent management, search, and classification.

The scope of cooperation also encompasses organizing specialized training programs for examiners in various branches of industrial property, and hosting joint workshops and seminars targeting stakeholders from diverse sectors. Particular emphasis will be placed on supporting SMEs, strengthening institutional capacity, and facilitating the exchange of experiences between the two countries.

MoU with the Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property

The Ministry also signed an MoU with the Moroccan Office of Industrial and Commercial Property to foster cooperation in the field of industrial property. The partnership will facilitate the exchange of institutional knowledge and technical expertise in the management and regulation of industrial property, explore emerging technologies and relevant legislation, and organize specialized training programs.

It also provides for the implementation of joint awareness campaigns, the strengthening of legal compliance, and the advancement of legal protection. To support these objectives, a joint task force will be established to develop action plans and deliver essential technical support, thereby enhancing institutional coordination and advancing the strategic goals of the collaboration.