Ministry of Economy and Tourism partners with UAE Basketball Association to safeguard sports IP under 'IP Sport' initiative
 

MoU establishes a comprehensive collaboration framework to protect IP in basketball and implement joint initiatives to reinforce innovation and patent registration support

The Ministry of Economy and Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and the UAE Sports Science and Sports Medicine Center, organized a joint sports event to raise awareness of intellectual property (IP) and innovation's role in advancing national sports. The event was held under the framework of the ‘IP Sport’ initiative, previously launched by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism in partnership with the Ministry of Sports under the theme, ‘We Respect IP Rights as We Respect the Rules of the Game.’

The event coincided with World Intellectual Property Day 2026, held under the theme “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate.” It highlighted the importance of maintaining a sustainable balance between fair play and respect for intellectual property rights, thereby supporting sports innovation, encouraging investment, and protecting the UAE’s sporting identity locally and globally, while fostering an ethical and fair sporting environment.

During the event, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE Basketball Association to protect IP rights in basketball. The MoU aims to elevate cooperation and knowledge exchange in sports IP, establishing an innovation- and knowledge-based sports environment in line with the objectives of the 'We the UAE 2031' vision and the National Sports Strategy 2031.

H.E. Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant Undersecretary for the Intellectual Property Sector, represented the Ministry of Economy and Tourism at the signing ceremony, while H.E. Abdullatif Nasser Al Fardan, President of the UAE Basketball Association, represented the Association. The MoU was signed by Fawzi Abdulaziz Al Jaberi, Director of Trademarks Department at the Ministry, and Ali Al Amiri, Chairman of the Technical Committee at the Association.

H.E. Abdulla Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, stated: "The MoU reflects the Ministry's commitment to expanding IP's contribution to innovation-driven development across vital sectors, including sports. We strive to adopt global best practices to protect sports innovations, trademarks, and various intellectual property rights, enhancing the UAE’s attractiveness for sports investment and strengthening its position on the global sports stage.”

H.E. Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports, highlighted that the MoU is an extension of integrated efforts among national entities to reinforce the innovation ecosystem in the national sports sector. It aims to establish intellectual property protection as a core pillar of sports sector development in the UAE. He noted that this step contributes to building an advanced sports environment that fosters creativity and encourages national talent to develop innovative solutions across various sports, particularly basketball.

He added: "The Ministry of Sports works to empower strategic partnerships that drive the transition toward a knowledge-based sports economy. We encourage the registration of IP rights related to sports activities, encompassing trademarks, technological innovations, and sports content. This enhances the sector's competitiveness, aligns with the goals of the National Sports Strategy 2031, and cements the UAE's position as a regional and global hub for sports innovation."

H.E. Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant Undersecretary for the Intellectual Property Sector at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, said: "The MoU establishes a practical framework to integrate IP protection practices within the sports sector by encouraging the registration of sports trademarks, including team names and club logos. It also protects copyright in sports content, covering broadcasting, media production, and creative content, not to forget inventions and innovations in modern sports equipment and technologies.”

H.E. Abdullatif Nasser Al Fardan, President of the UAE Basketball Association, stated: "We highly value this partnership, which will raise IP awareness, protect athletes' rights, and develop the sports ecosystem."

The MoU establishes a comprehensive collaboration framework to protect IP in basketball. It focuses on developing a supportive legislative environment by reviewing and updating relevant policies and legislation. Additionally, the agreement involves conducting specialized training programs and workshops to elevate awareness and knowledge across the sports ecosystem.

The collaboration extends to supporting and developing joint initiatives and projects focused on protecting basketball-related innovations and creations. It will stimulate scientific research and applied studies, as well as encourage the development of modern solutions and technologies, thereby elevating the sector's technical and professional standards.

Areas of cooperation also include organizing joint events, such as conferences, tournaments, workshops, and training programmes, as well as providing media and promotional support, subject to available resources. These efforts will help instill a culture of innovation and intellectual property protection within the sports sector.

Both parties will work to enhance mutual representation and participation in relevant regional and global conferences to expand their international presence. This includes cooperation with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to highlight the national experience, broaden partnerships, and exchange expertise.