Muscat – Oman has finalised its National Intellectual Property Strategy marking a significant step towards fostering innovation and protecting intellectual property (IP) rights in the country.

The announcement was made by Nasra bint Sultan al Habsi, Director General of Commerce in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, at the conclusion of the National Intellectual Property Exhibition on Tuesday.

Nasra stated that the strategy was developed in collaboration with a national team representing key stakeholders in alignment with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 under its human and society development stream. “The National IP Strategy is a key enabler for Oman’s ongoing development and is built on four major pillars,” she said.

The first pillar, IP Management, focuses on strengthening the institutional framework for intellectual property in Oman. The second pillar, IP Assets, aims to enhance the economic value derived from national intellectual property, while the third addresses development and modernisation of laws and regulations governing IP. The fourth pillar emphasises education, training and raising public awareness on IP rights.

Among 14 initiatives outlined in the strategy is accreditation of Oman’s National IP Office as a patent examination body by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This is expected to boost Oman’s international standing and attract investment in IP assets.

Another initiative involves creation of an advanced electronic platform for IP management in Oman, integrating technologies like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital archiving to streamline processes and strengthen enforcement.

To nurture innovation, the national strategy proposes establishing an Omani Inventors Association to promote collaboration between civil society and government bodies. It also aims to enhance the role of Authority for Development of Small and Medium Enterprises in supporting businesses to effectively utilise IP systems, creating a more conducive environment for innovation.

The national strategy further includes plans to establish a specialised IP department within Muscat Court to bolster IP protection, ensure qualified judicial expertise, and provide a competitive and secure environment for IP-related activities in Oman.

Nasra added that raising public awareness on the importance of safeguarding IP is a priority.

Data from Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion indicates significant growth in IP applications. In the third quarter of 2024, 90 national patent applications and 541 international patent applications were filed, alongside 28 industrial design applications. By the end of 2023, trademark applications had reached 10,875, reflecting growing awareness of the importance of IP.