Intellectual property, a new bond between Morocco and Saudi Arabia
The Moroccan Industrial and Commercial Property Office and the Saudi Intellectual Property Authority signed a cooperation protocol.
The signed memorandum enhances cooperation between the two countries on intellectual property strategy and policies, as well as the registration and development of intellectual property, data exchange and the improvement of intellectual property management practices. The agreement was signed by Abdulaziz Babaqiqi, Director General of the Moroccan Office, and Abdulaziz bin Muhammad al-Suwailem, Director General of the Saudi Commission.
This agreement was negotiated following meetings between the two countries within the framework of the United Nations Intellectual Property Assemblies held in Geneva on 20 July 2022. The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) is the United Nations' specialised agency for the use of intellectual property (patents, copyrights, trademarks, designs, etc.) as a means of fostering innovation and creativity.
According to the latest WIPO data from 2021, a total of 254 patent applications were filed in Morocco from Moroccans and 25 applications from Saudis in 2021. In the Gulf country, 1,398 applications were filed by Saudis and 2 by Moroccans out of a total of 4,868 applications registered in that country.
The record for patent filings is held by China with 1.5 million applications in 2021, more than double the number filed in 2012. Far behind is the United States with 590,000 applications.
Morocco and Saudi Arabia are increasingly strengthening their ties, especially at the economic level and in bilateral trade. In October 2022, they also signed two agreements on different topics. The first agreement concerns the technical cooperation programme between the Moroccan Standards Institute and the Saudi Organisation for Standardisation, Metrology and Quality. This programme aims to develop exchanges of experience and information in the field of standardisation, as well as strengthening coordination between organisations in this sector. Finally, the second agreement concerns the development of cooperation in the field of mutual recognition of halal certificates and local products between the Kingdom of Morocco, represented by the Moroccan Standards Institute (IMANOR), and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by Saudi Food and Drug (SFDA). The forum also aims to develop exchanges of experience and knowledge in the field of training, research and laboratory analysis of halal products.
In addition, Rabat and Riyadh are considering implementing a joint entity aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises for export and investment in the two countries, with the aim of increasing the volume of trade between the two nations.
Saudi Arabia is trying to attract as many investors as possible to invest within its territory. Saudi Arabia's new Special Economic Zones have attracted $12.6 billion from investors in the maritime, mining, manufacturing, logistics and technology sectors. Similarly, other investments worth $31 billion are underway.
Political and diplomatic relations are also improving. In April, the Political Consultation Committee and the Follow-up Committee at the senior level of the Moroccan and Saudi Foreign Ministries held their third meeting in Riyadh to discuss regional and international issues, as well as to strengthen their bilateral relations.
All these agreements will facilitate Morocco's investments in Saudi Arabia, but also those of Riyadh in the Alawi kingdom, in a wide range of economic and trade sectors. Finally, all these agreements and meetings demonstrate the good health of relations between the two kingdoms and how the historical and strategic relations that the two countries have enjoyed for decades are being strengthened.