Cairo: Egypt has initiated a comprehensive reform of its intellectual property (IP) system, motivated by constitutional duties, economic goals, and international commitments, according to the head of the newly formed Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority (EIPA).
According to State Information Service Egypt, Hesham Azmy, chairman of the EIPA, revealed in an exclusive interview that the authority is the first tangible outcome of Egypt’s National Intellectual Property Strategy. This strategy was launched in September 2022, following two years of work by a cabinet committee, and sets overarching goals to govern all aspects of intellectual property in the country.
Egypt has a long legislative history in IP, dating back to the 1930s, with laws on trademarks, patents, and copyright. However, Azmy emphasized that previous legislation, while pivotal, did not amount to a comprehensive strategy. The reform is driven by three main factors: constitutional requirements, societal needs, and international obligations due to Egypt’s membership in the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
Azmy stated that the strategy rests on four pillars: governance, legislative updates, economic maximization of IP assets, and public awareness. The EIPA, established by law in July 2023, plays a crucial role in this strategy, absorbing IP offices from seven ministries. Awareness-raising has become a standalone strategic objective, aiming to change entrenched attitudes toward intellectual property.
Egypt plans to launch a national awareness campaign, supported by media outreach and educational initiatives, to instill respect for creators’ rights from an early age. On the economic front, Azmy acknowledged the untapped potential of Egypt’s rich legacy in cultural and creative industries, research, and innovation.
The authority is working to catalog Egypt’s IP assets across nine priority sectors and develop mechanisms to monetize these assets. Efforts are also being made to bridge the gap between academic research and industry, promoting patent protection and technology transfer.
On enforcement, some EIPA departments have judicial powers, and the authority coordinates with police, customs, and regulatory agencies to combat IP violations. Legislative updates are in progress to accommodate technological advancements and international treaties.
Azmy highlighted the challenges facing the Arabic language in the digital age and emphasized the need to strengthen Arabic content in AI platforms. He also mentioned efforts to improve Egypt’s ranking in the Global Innovation Index, currently at 85th, by enhancing data accuracy and submission to WIPO.
The revival of collective management of rights, including public performance rights, is also underway, with potential expansion into sports-related rights. Azmy concluded by stating that the ultimate goal is to transform intellectual property into a productive economic and cultural asset for Egypt’s national economy.