The Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association (ERRA) has signed the UAE’s first-ever blanket reprographic rights licensing agreement with Heriot-Watt University Dubai.
This pioneering step of reprographic rights sets a new benchmark for regulating the use of intellectual works within academic institutions. The agreement builds on its growing international presence in intellectual property protection while reinforcing the UAE’s standing as a regional and international hub in this field.
This reprographic rights agreement is the outcome of ERRA’s ambitious and strategic path since its establishment. In less than three years, the Association has successfully established a strong international presence in the field of collective reprographic rights management, having concluded six landmark agreements with counterpart organizations in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Argentina, Malaysia, and Hong Kong, in addition to an ongoing collaboration with India.
ERRA has also secured membership in the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organizations (IFRRO) and obtained Observer status with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
These recognitions reflect the confidence of international institutions in ERRA’s capability to regulate the use of intellectual works and protect the rights of authors and publishers in accordance with global best practices, granting it an influential position in shaping intellectual property policies worldwide.
The reprographic rights license granted to Heriot-Watt University Dubai provides lawful, organized access to a vast repository of books and academic materials under reprographic rights. It also reinforces the university’s institutional commitment and academic leadership in upholding the rights of authors and creators.
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Honorary President of ERRA, praised this achievement as an important milestone that reflects a clear vision and a strong institutional will to build a comprehensive framework for the protection of authors’ rights in the UAE. She also highlighted it as a practical model of what can be achieved through collaboration between educational institutions and intellectual property stakeholders.
Anita Huss, Secretary General and CEO of the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organizations (IFRRO), stated that, “We are pleased to see ERRA making steady progress in the effective implementation of collective rights management principles. The signing of the first blanket university license of its kind in the UAE, at such an early stage in the Association’s development, is a commendable achievement among emerging RROs in the international community. It reflects a clear and responsible vision towards the protection of authors’ rights.”
Anas Abu Ghoush, Head of Information Services at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, commented that, “At Heriot-Watt University Dubai, we believe that true knowledge is built upon respecting those who create and share it with the world. Our partnership with the Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association is a strategic step that enhances the quality of academic content we offer our students. This license enables us to legally access and utilize thousands of works, which positively impacts our academic credibility and institutional ranking.”
