Commerce
Ministry Marks World Intellectual Property Day 2025
Muscat,
6 May (ONA) —— The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, in
collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, the Royal Opera
House Muscat, and the Oman Music Center, organized a celebration marking World
Intellectual Property Day 2025 under the theme “Intellectual Property and
Music: Feeling the Rhythm of Creativity.”
The
event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of protecting creative
works and fostering innovation. This year’s theme highlighted music as a
universal language that reflects cultural identity and unites people, while also
being an industry built on intellectual property rights deserving of protection
and support.
Nasra
Sultan Al Habsi, Director General of Commerce at the Ministry of Commerce,
Industry, and Investment Promotion, emphasized that World Intellectual Property
Day serves as an opportunity to enhance public awareness of intellectual
property rights as a pillar of sustainable development. She noted that IP
rights—including patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyrights, and
geographical indications—contribute to improving the business environment and
advancing societies.
Al
Habsi pointed out that intellectual property in music extends beyond composing
melodies and lyrics, encompassing performance recordings, album designs, and
distribution methods, all of which require a fair legal protection framework.
She stressed that proper licensing for the use of musical works is a key tool
in safeguarding artists’ rights, ensuring they receive fair compensation when
their work is used in films, advertisements, games, and public performances.
The
celebration featured live musical performances by Omani talents, alongside
workshops from participating institutions that addressed the challenges
creators face in protecting their work. Discussions also covered the role of
legislation and modern technologies in tracking rights and ensuring fair usage.
Interactive
sessions explored how intellectual property supports the music industry and
raises awareness among creators.
The
Ministry, represented by the National Intellectual Property Office, reported
that 24,800 trademark examination requests were processed in 2024, while
trademark filings rose to 14,100, up from 13,400 in 2023—a 5% increase.
Registered
trademarks reached 6,900, compared to 7,700 the previous year. Copyright
applications saw a notable rise, with 175 submissions in 2024 versus 143 in
2023. Industrial design applications surged by 115%, totaling 43 in 2024,
compared to 20 in 2023, while national patent applications increased to 127, up
from 100 in 2023.
Oman,
in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO),
continues to promote respect for intellectual property rights through awareness
programs, specialized seminars, workshops, and community initiatives targeting
creators, inventors, and authors across various fields.
The
event was attended by Dr. Saleh Said Massan, Undersecretary of the Ministry of
Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry, along
with artists, musicians, inventors, and representatives from intellectual
property offices.
——
Ends/AH
