The UAE government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to bolster intellectual property (IP) protections for sustainable innovations and streamline patent registration processes, aligning with the nation's circular economy transition goals. Central to this initiative is the Green Intellectual Property Roadmap, designed to foster eco-friendly technological advancements while enhancing the UAE's global competitiveness in sustainability-driven sectors. Key objectives include:
1. Accelerated Patent Registration:
o Launching a fast-track program for patents related to environmental sustainability, green energy, and circular economy technologies, reducing approval timelines from 42 months to 6 months.
o Increasing the share of eco-friendly patents to 8% of all national filings by 2026, up from current levels.
2. Legal Framework Strengthening:
o Enhancing legal safeguards for innovations in renewable energy (solar, wind, ocean energy) and water sustainability to protect inventors' rights and incentivize long-term R&D investments.
3. Capacity Building and Collaboration:
o Partnering with universities, research institutions, and SMEs to support innovation ecosystems, particularly in priority sectors like clean energy and resource efficiency.
o Offering fee waivers for patent applicants under 21 and discounted rates for students to encourage youth participation in IP creation.
4. Patent Hive Initiative:
o A parallel program aimed at doubling annual patent registrations from 4,481 to 6,000 by 2026 through simplified processes, reduced costs, and awareness campaigns.
5. Education and Training:
o Collaborating with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to deliver workshops and technical guidance, elevating IP literacy among researchers, entrepreneurs, and the public sector.
These measures collectively aim to position the UAE as a leader in sustainable innovation, reinforcing its ranking in the Global Innovation Index while addressing environmental challenges through technological progress.
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