The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) has entered into a Reinforced Partnership agreement with the European Patent Office (EPO), within the framework of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the area of intellectual property (IP) signed between the two parties.
The long-term strategic partnership agreement aims to develop the patent system as a catalyst for innovation, technology transfer and economic growth.
The reinforced partnership positively reflects on the Kingdom in terms of achieving alignment and integration in patent procedures between the two sides and improves the level of quality and reliability of examination reports issued by the SAIP, which contributes to increasing value and satisfaction among customers and rights holders.
Commenting on the agreement, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Swailem, Chief Executive Officer of SAIP, said, “Patents play a major role as the importance of a knowledge-based economy develops in Saudi Arabia, and co-operation with the EPO will strengthen SAIP activities as a fully integrated IP authority and regional IP hub.”
Under its long-term Vision 2030 strategy, Saudi Arabia has undertaken an ambitious transformation plan to diversify the country’s economy and the way it develops. SAIP plays a significant role in this transformation and will rely on the agreement to reduce and keep their backlog under control, improve the quality of their products and services, and cooperate on outreach and awareness initiatives in the country.
In addition to cooperation on the patent granting process, the agreement will support SAIP through EPO training initiatives and best practice sharing. The RP could play a significant role, boosting IP development and fostering ties with businesses seeking patent protection locally.
The signing of the reinforced partnership makes Saudi Arabia the 10th partner with the EPO, which will develop registration processes of the patent applications in the Kingdom.
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