Intellectual property may be the most valuable asset for a company, but many Egyptians remain unaware of what it is. Sherine El-Madany reports on a recent workshop Enforcement of intellectual property protection in Egypt is a key element in creating a better environment for trade, investment, innovation, and growth, said guest speakers at an Intellectual Property Workshop held Saturday in Borg Al-Arab. "Intellectual property protection encourages innovators to use extensive scientific research and technology which promotes competitiveness of Egyptian products, investment, and economic growth," said Ambassador Mohamed Daghash, head of the Intellectual Property Rights Unit within the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Industry. Intellectual property refers to patents, trademarks, industrial designs, geographic indications of origin, and copyrights for publications and artistic works. These are mainly government grants of exclusive rights preventing anyone from using, selling, or exporting inventions or products without the prior consent of the owners. While it is an intangible asset, intellectual property is extremely valuable for many businesses. According to Law 82/2002, the government protects owners as long as they provide a sufficient description of their invention which enhances the development of the society. The USAID-funded Intellectual Property Rights Assistance (IPRA) Project hosted this event under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Industry to show companies how to integrate intellectual property into their business strategies. "This workshop is organised especially for experienced business people who want to improve the profitability of their companies," said Jaleen Moroney, chief of party for the (IPRA) project. "In today's highly competitive world, we are looking for ways to strengthen our companies' ability to compete in the marketplace," she added. Speakers also listed the various advantages of adopting an intellectual property strategy for both business people and society. Mohamed Farag Amer, head of the New Borg Al-Arab Investors Association, pointed out that intellectual property protection would encourage foreign investors to enter Egypt, consequently creating job opportunities. He also added that intellectual property would generate an atmosphere of fair competition which would evolve innovations, culture, and works of art. "Franchise agreements [a licence to use trademarks] are also very useful for those who want to setup a business because they provide the opportunity of learning successful strategies from those who made it in their business," said Judy Goans, intellectual property expert and attorney for Nathan Associates Incorporation. Mustafa El-Shafie, intellectual property expert, explained that consumers who purchase licensed brands received a compensation whenever there was a defect in the product. "On the other hand, infringed products, especially insecticides, could cause health hazards, as they have not been tested before usage," he added. In reference to international trade agreements, El-Shafie indicated that agreements signed with the US and the European Union stipulated the reinforcement of intellectual property in Egypt and laws protecting it. "Otherwise, foreign investors would not consider opening new markets in Egypt," he said. Additionally, Goans provided different cases of how some enterprises were able to successfully integrate intellectual property into their businesses. Coca Cola, for example, used intellectual property system in a creative way as they launched an international campaign for their packaging. They designed a curvy bottle that was distinguishable and easy to hold and then registered for the protection of the US Design Patent. "Thus, by carefully protecting its trademarks and industrial design, Coca Cola has become one of the strongest brand names," Goans said. Other speakers suggested means of further promoting intellectual property in Egypt. "The number of Egyptians who register for protection is very low and is not consistent with the number of innovators in Egypt," said Daghash. He, therefore, proposed offering courses that explained intellectual property to school children and university students. He also emphasised encouraging inventors, and students who successfully adopted intellectual property with awards. "The media should also reach out to the public and raise their awareness of the uses of intellectual property. This could be done through hosting additional workshops and seminars discussing the issue," he added.
