Arab Society for Intellectual Property
 | |
| Industry: | Intellectual Property, Trademarks |
| Founded: | 1987 |
| Founder(s): | Talal Abu-Ghazaleh |
| Ownership: | TAG-org |
| Headquarters: | Amman |
| Website: | aspip.org |
| Key People | |
| Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman Mu’tasem Dmour, Executive Director | |
The Arab Society for Intellectual Property (ASIP) is a non-profit organization, based in Jordan, which strives to develop and modernize the intellectual property laws and systems within Arab countries. ASIP is one of the biggest intellectual property organizations in the region.
History[edit | edit source]
Mr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Chairman of TAG-org, one of the largest group companies in the Arab Region, founded the Arab Society for Intellectual Property. In February, 1984, Abu Ghazaleh conducted serious meetings with WIPO Director General Dr. Arbad Bogesh, and the Secretary General of the International Federation for the Protection of Industrial Property, Dr. Alfred Brenner, as well as with the Dr. Eric Hauser, Chairman of the European Patent Office. He discussed his objective of creating an organization that will protect the Intellectual Property rights of professionals.
After three years of extensive coordination with numerous professionals in the Arab Region and meetings with experts and heads of International organizations governing Intellectual Property, the “Arab Society for the Protection of Industrial Property” was officially created during a meeting in Munich, Germany, in February, 1987.[1]
The meeting was chaired by Abu Ghazaleh and it was attended by approximately 142 representatives from the Arab Region who supported the creation of the society. Heads of the WIPO, Europeans Patent Office and International Federation for the Protection of Industrial Property were also present during the conference. Ten members of the Board were elected; they represented the countries of Kuwait, Syria, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Iraq.
During that time, the Society decided to set up their headquarters in Munich, Germany because it was the center for the protection of industrial property and related research in Europe. Another reason is that it is the headquarters of the German Patent Office, which is internationally renowned for its achievements in intellectual property protection. [2]
Programs[edit | edit source]
- ASIP signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Faculty of Law at the University of Jordan to develop a Simulated IP Tribunal also known as the “Moot Court Competition” to provide and enhance the law students with legal knowledge in the field of IP.[3] The Moot Court Competition is part of the society’s effort to increase the awareness regarding IP in the Arab Region. At present ASIP is working to establish a Memorandum of Understanding with other Arab Universities to adopt the Moot Court Competition.
- The Society conducts a “Roundtables Series” in Intellectual Property Rights. The monthly program is facilitated by experts who discuss laws and regulations related to IP rights. Its main objective is to broaden the IP awareness among the members of the society. [4]
- Geographical Indications Conference- ASIP first organized the conference in 2005 with the help of the United States Patents and Trademarks Office and UAE Minister of Economy and Planning, Sheikha Lubna Al-Qasimini. The main purpose of the GI conference is to provide local Arab entrepreneurs with technical support and to examine the situation of Arab investment and industries to be able to create plans and gather support from competent international organizations.[5]
- ASIP provides “Short Term Courses” in different fields of IP. The courses lasts 2 days to one week and are workshops conducted by IP experts from local universities and the Ministry of Industry and Trade. [6]
Affiliations[edit | edit source]
ASIP is a member of several international organizations such as theUnited Nations Economic and Social Council, to which the society gained consultative status. The WIPO granted the society observer status. ASIP is also a member of ICANN's Intellectual Property Constituency, as well as the BP Council.[7]