Course Methodology

In this interactive training course participants will frequently work in pairs as well as in larger groups to complete exercises, and regional and international case studies

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the theoretical background of Intellectual Property (IP) and the various types of IP existence
• Understand the international and local set of conventions and laws governing IPRs
• Demonstrate deep knowledge of the conditions that should exist in each type of IPR, their registration, licensing and enforcement
• Apply knowledge of IPRs in all legal fields including contracts and litigation
• Participate effectively in building a comprehensive IP strategy for their organization

Target Audience

This course is suitable for professionals working in the legal and IP filed, including but not limited to; lawyers, in-house counsels, governmental officials, police, customs, health authorities, researchers, university lecturers, publishers, IP agents as well as researchers who are interested in having deeper knowledge about IP in the GCC. It will also highly benefit in-house councils who recently joined their companies in the GCC as it will give them all the knowledge needed to handle all IP issues within the region.

Target Competencies

• General principles of IPRs
• Trademarks, Patents, Copyright
• Principles of IP Enforcement
• Building IP Strategy

Introduction and basic concepts 

• Types of IPRs
• Main theories justifying IP protection
• The role of IP in economic development
• The role of IP in innovation and creativity
• The globalization of IPRs protection
• International conventions
• Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and the World Trade Organization
• The GCC Cooperation in the field of IP protection

Trademarks and copyright 

• Definition and types of marks
• Scope of trade marks protection
• Registration procedures and rights conferred to trade mark owner
• Legal protection of trade marks
• Subject matter and conditions of copyright
• Types of protected works
• Financial and moral rights
• Fair use, duration of protection and legal protection for copyright

Patents and trade secrets

• Patentable inventions and types of patents
• Registration process  
• Ownership and rights conferred to patent owner
• Employer–employee inventions and legal protection for patents
• Definition of trade secrets and confidential information
• Elements of trade secrets
• Utilization of trade secrets commercially
• Legal protection of trade secrets

Building a strong IP strategy and strategic management of IPRs

• Overview and basic concepts
• Understand your business and your IP needs
• IP audit and building the portfolio
• Onward licensing (licensing process and contracts)
• IP commercialization mechanisms and maximizing the benefits
• Practical steps to building a successful IP strategy
• IP valuation – your gateway to know how much your IP worth
• Assessment of the IP strategy for further success