Doha: Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Law, in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and the UNESCO Chair on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development, hosted the second edition of the conference titled “The Role of ADR, IP Protection, and Innovation in Advancing FDI for Sustainable Development.” The conference was held at Minaretein, Education City.
According to Qatar News Agency, the two-day event convened an assembly of legal scholars, industry experts, and policymakers to focus on the role of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in intellectual property (IP) issues. The gathering highlighted the effectiveness of ADR mechanisms in enhancing collaboration, particularly in sectors critical to sustainable development.
Speakers at the conference examined the intersection between sustainability policies and the promotion of foreign direct investment (FDI), as well as strategies that foster entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across critical economic sectors. Panelists elaborated on how robust IP protection can catalyze innovation in specific sectors, contributing to the National Development Strategy (NDS3) and Qatar National Vision 2030.
The conference also provided insights into the latest advancements in IP rights protection both regionally and globally. This underscored the need to adapt legal frameworks to support innovation in an interconnected world. A dedicated session examined dispute resolution and IP protection in sports, using the successful hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar as a case study for regional and global leadership on this issue.
Dr. Susan L. Karamanian, Dean, College of Law, HBKU, remarked on the critical issue of IP protection and ADR in a fast-changing world. She noted that mediation provides a confidential, efficient, and flexible means of resolving IP disputes while ensuring business continuity. She emphasized that Qatar has been proactive in promoting mediation, aligning its IP laws with international standards to strengthen its dispute resolution framework and promote a thriving business environment.
Ignacio de Castro, Director of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center, commented on the effectiveness of mediation and arbitration in resolving complex disputes related to technology and intellectual property. He highlighted the experience of the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center and expressed the value of working with partners in Qatar to share WIPO’s tools that complement court procedures and help foster innovation.
HBKU continues to foster impactful innovations by inspiring dialogues about contemporary challenges, promoting research mechanisms, and aligning its efforts with Qatar’s strategic development goals through multidisciplinary and international partnerships.