ASIP
 | |
| Industry: | Intellectual Property,Trademarks |
| Founded: | 1987 |
| Headquarters: | Amman |
| Country: | Jordan |
| Website: | http://www.aspip.org |
| Key People | |
| Mr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman Mr. Mu’tasem Dmour (L.L.M.), Executive Director | |
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The Arab Society for Intellectual Property (ASIP) is a non-profit organization based in Jordan, striving to develop and modernize the practices of intellectual property laws and systems within the Arab countries. Headed by its Chairman Mr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, ASIP is one of the biggest intellectual property organizations in the region.
History
Mr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Chairman of TAG-org, one of the largest group companies in the Arab Region initiated the establishment of the Arab Society for Intellectual Property. On February 1984, Abu-Ghazaleh conducted serious meetings with WIPO Director General Dr. Arbad Bogesh and to 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 with them his objective in 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 several meetings with experts and heads of International organizations governing Intellectual Property, on February 23, 1987 the “Arab Society for the Protection of Industrial Property” was officially created during a meeting in Munich, Germany. [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 representing 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 the German Patent Office, which is well-known for its achievements in intellectual property protection not just in Europe but worldwide is located in the city. [2]
Programs
- ASIP signed 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 Memorandum of Understanding with other Arab Universities to adopt the Moot Court Competition.
- The Society conducts a “Roundtables Series” in Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs). The monthly program is facilitated by experts and 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 (GI) Indications Conference- ASIP first organized the conference in 2005 with the help of the United States Patents and Trademarks Office (USPTO) 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 the different fields of IP. The courses lasts 2 days to one week in the form of trainings and workshop conducted by IP experts from local Universities and Ministry of Industry and Trade. [6]
Affiliations
ASIP is a member of several international organizations such as United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to which the society gain consultative status. The WIPO granted the society with an observer status. ASIP is also a member of the the Intellectual Property Constituency (IPC) of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) as well as the BP Council, responsible in the protection of trademark.[7]
References
Marie Cabural 11:20, 17 March 2011 (PDT)