UAE Establishes Anti-Piracy Lab to Combat Intellectual Property Violations

The UAE Ministry of Economy has announced the establishment of an Anti-Piracy Lab in Dubai Media City, aimed at combating the illegal use of audiovisual content on digital platforms.

This follows a memorandum of understanding signed with Spain's La Liga, renowned for its expertise in intellectual property protection.

The lab, set to be completed within three years, will mirror La Liga's successful Anti-Piracy Lab in Madrid, utilizing advanced technological tools to detect, analyze, and remove unauthorized content. This initiative underscores Dubai's strategic role as a hub for innovation and collaboration in safeguarding intellectual property rights.

According to Federal Law No. 38 of 2021 on Copyrights and Neighboring Rights, intellectual works across literature, arts, and sciences are protected in the UAE, with stringent measures against violations. The Ministry of Economy's 'InstaBlock' initiative, intensified during Ramadan 2024, saw 1,117 websites blocked for copyright infringement, a significant increase from previous years.

Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, emphasized the UAE's commitment to global standards in intellectual property protection.

Javier Tebas, President of La Liga, praised the UAE's leadership in combating piracy, highlighting the global significance of this collaboration.

The project aligns with Dubai's comprehensive efforts to foster a knowledge-based economy, ensuring sustainable growth in the creative industries sector.

News Source: Khaleej Times