Participants during the dialogue session in Geneva.
Doha, Qatar: The Office of the State of Qatar to the World Trade Organization in Geneva, in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), organised a specialised dialogue session and workshop at the WIPO’s headquarters in Geneva.
The event focused on the role of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in intellectual property and technology disputes, aligning with Goal 16 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Qatar’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment and enhance the business environment.
The event was inaugurated by Ahmed Essa Al Sulaiti, Director of the Office of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Geneva, with the participation of 22 experts and specialists from various international institutions and organisations. Attendees included representatives from Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council, Qatar International Court, WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Centre, and international law firms. The session’s discussions and recommendations are expected to contribute to the Second International Conference on Mediation and Arbitration for Intellectual Property Disputes, scheduled to take place in Qatar later this year under the theme, “The Role of Intellectual Property, Technology and Sustainability Policies in Attracting Foreign Direct Investment and Supporting the Transition to a Knowledge- and Innovation-Based Economy.”
During the session, Al Sulaiti emphasised that the event’s alignment with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s strategy 2024-2030, which aims to foster investment climate and develop commercial and economic dispute resolution mechanisms in line with global best practices. He underscored that the session reflects the Ministry’s commitment to enhance protection of intellectual property rights, foster innovation, and advance effective and innovative dispute resolution mechanisms. He also highlighted the importance of collaborating with international organisations to exchange expertise and build national capabilities.
Participants discussed strategies to position Qatar as a regional hub for arbitration and mediation in intellectual property and technology disputes, focusing on developing legal and institutional frameworks and strengthening cooperation with specialised international centres, such as the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Centre.
The session emphasised building national capacities, and reaffirmed that its outcomes will contribute to establishing Qatar as a leading destination for innovation, investment, and dispute resolution regionwide.
The event concluded with a review of key themes to be addressed at the Second International Conference on Mediation and Arbitration for Intellectual Property Disputes, scheduled to be held next September in Doha, in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
The conference will explore the development of innovative dispute resolution mechanisms in intellectual property and technology sectors in Qatar, as well as intellectual property aspects in the sports industry and sustainability policies.
Additionally, it will support the transition toward an economy based on knowledge and innovation.
These efforts aim to strengthen the rule of law on the national and international levels, ensure equal access to justice and support the realisation of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s 2024-2030 Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030.
