Saudi Arabia, Indonesia join hands to develop intellectual property ecosystem

Min Usihen and Dr. Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al-Swailem sign a cooperation agreement on July 11, 2024. (Indonesia’s Ministry of Law and Human Rights)
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Updated 11 July 2024
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Saudi Arabia, Indonesia join hands to develop intellectual property ecosystem

  • Saudi, Indonesia officials attending 65th general assembly in Switzerland
  • Nations to exchange expertise, share intellectual property best practices

JAKARTA: Indonesia is seeking to work with Saudi Arabia to develop its intellectual property ecosystem, the government has said, as the two countries signed a cooperation agreement on the sidelines of the World Intellectual Property Organization meeting in Geneva.

Indonesia’s Directorate General of Intellectual Property, a department under the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, and the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property signed a memorandum of understanding during a bilateral meeting on Wednesday.

The parties were represented by their respective heads, Indonesia’s Min Usihen and Saudi Arabia’s Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al-Swailem, who are in Switzerland for WIPO’s 65th general assembly until July 17.

“We are hoping that this framework of cooperation will create synergy and will benefit the management and development of intellectual property in Indonesia and Saudi Arabia,” Usihen said in a statement.

“Both parties agreed to exchange feedback on challenges concerning the development of IP systems, and the creation and utilization of IP networks.”

Under the agreement, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia will share strategies and best practices to further the development of their IP ecosystem. This includes exchanging experience on the use of the latest technology in the field, such as artificial intelligence.

The pact also covers information management and the training and development of human resources, regulations and policies related to intellectual property. And efforts to promote and raise awareness on the importance of IP rights in their respective countries.

“With the signing of this MoU, we are hoping that cooperation between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia in intellectual property will be closer, so that it may bring significant benefits for the two countries in developing and protecting their intellectual properties,” Indonesia’s IP directorate said in a statement.

“This cooperation also shows the two countries’ commitment to continue innovating and adapting with the latest in tech and regulations at the international level.”


Central African Republic president seeks third term in election

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Central African Republic president seeks third term in election

  • Since Touadera was first elected in 2016, in the middle of a civil war, the CAR has seen unrest ease despite feuds between armed groups and the government in some regions

BANGUI: Voters in the Central African Republic cast their ballots for a new president on Sunday, with incumbent Faustin-Archange Touadera widely expected to win a third term after touting his success in steadying a nation long plagued by conflict.

Around 2.3 million people are eligible to vote, with parliamentary, municipal and regional polls taking place at the same time.

Escorted by members of the presidential guard, Touadera arrived at a high school to cast his own ballot.

He urged people to vote “to allow our country to develop, to allow our country to regain peace and security.”

“It’s a very important issue,” Touadera, 68, told reporters.

Streets in the capital Bangui were quiet, with armored vehicles of the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSCA deployed at road junctions.

Heavy security was posted outside voting stations, and helicopters flew overhead at a school near where Touadera was voting, while a long queue had formed. Since Touadera was first elected in 2016, in the middle of a civil war, the CAR has seen unrest ease despite feuds between armed groups and the government in some regions.

“We need a leader elected by the people, not someone who takes power by force,” teacher Julie Odjoubi, 44, said, her left thumb stained with purple ink to show she had voted.

Touadera is in pole position to win in a seven-strong field, after a new constitution was adopted in 2023.