To improve collaboration in the area of intellectual property, the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) and the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP) have inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU). The Jakarta Post reported that this agreement was reached at a bilateral meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, at the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) 65th general session. 

The principal objective of this MOU, according to IP director-general Min Usihen, who also signed it, was to create a framework for equitable and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides in the IP domain.

“This framework is expected to create beneficial synergies in the management and development of IP in Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, in accordance with the laws and regulations in each country,” said Min to the Jakarta Post.

The MOU covers a number of important topics, such as IP strategy, information technology advancement and the sharing of experiences and consultations for cutting-edge technologies, including AI for IP. The partnership also centres on training and human resource development, IP legislation and policy, data interchange and IP information management.

Min went on to say that the MOU also addressed creating best practices in IP procedures, such as the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH), respecting and enforcing IP rights and promoting and raising awareness of the value of IP. Cross-border applicants will receive their patents more quickly as a consequence of this method, which will have a substantial impact on the effectiveness and speed of patent examination. 

“Both parties agree to share feedback on the development of IP systems and the creation and utilization of IP networks. Other areas of cooperation that can be mutually agreed upon in writing will also be explored further," added Min. 

Both the governments of Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, as well as other IP stakeholders in both nations, anticipate that this event will positively affect their respective IP policies. Through this collaboration, the experiences of both countries in managing intellectual property may be shared and learned from. Increased international collaboration that can fortify the IP system globally would also benefit the WIPO. 

The signing of this MOU is expected to strengthen IP collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, benefiting both nations greatly in the development and protection of their intellectual property.

- Excel V. Dyquiangco