The Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre (QICDRC) was pleased to announce the International Mediation and Arbitration Conference, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), and LexisNexis Middle East. This event was held in partnership with the Qatar Lawyer Associations (QLA) and the Qatar Experts and Arbitrators for Awareness and Culture Association and was sponsored by Al-Sulaiti Law Firm.
This conference, the first of its kind in the region, was highlighted by the presence of His Excellency Mr. Marco M. Alemán, Assistant Director General of the IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector at WIPO. It stood as a testament to the productive partnership between the State of Qatar and WIPO, marking a significant achievement. Additionally, it represented a crucial step forward in safeguarding intellectual property rights, a key factor in influencing and driving successful foreign direct investment to Qatar. The conference aimed to provide a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and networking opportunities among stakeholders involved in intellectual property, mediation, arbitration, and foreign direct investment in the Middle East region.
Delivering the opening speeches were H.E. Mohammed bin Hassan Al-Malki, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Qatar (MOCI); Mr. Abdullatef Al-Mohannadi, Deputy Registrar at QICDRC; and Mr. Marco M. Alemán, Assistant Director-General at the World Intellectual Property Organisation.
Renowned experts delivered keynote speeches, including H.E. Dr. Hend Al-Muftah, Ambassador to the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland; Dr. Jack Lau, President of Qatar Science and Technology Park; and Ahmed Al-Sulaiti, Director of the Qatar Office to the World Trade Organisation and other Economic Organisations in Geneva. Additionally, the program featured panel discussions and intriguing case studies.
Commenting on the conference, Mr. Faisal Rashid Al-Sahouti stated: "Intellectual property is a significant topic on the international stage, and most countries strive to incorporate it into their national policies due to its importance in encouraging research, innovation, and creativity, supporting the economy, and stimulating direct investment. In recent years, many countries have reviewed and amended their national legislation to provide the necessary protection for intellectual property and to establish mechanisms capable of performing this task, both at the national and international levels, in accordance with the best global practices."
Participants included government officials from the Middle East, policymakers, legal professionals, academics, industry leaders, and representatives from international organisations and investor communities.
The event highlighted the crucial role of mediation and arbitration in resolving intellectual property disputes, emphasising their positive impact on the Middle Eastern government's efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). By implementing robust intellectual property protections and effective dispute resolution mechanisms, these governments could enhance their investment appeal, stimulate economic growth, and foster technology transfer.
