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Find out moreWelcome to the latest edition of Law Update titled “Rise of Generative AI.”
In this edition, we dive into the dynamic world of Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. TMT continues to play a vital role in positioning the region as an international business and social hub, driving significant growth and innovation.
Our focus in this Law Update is on the sector’s ongoing potential to advance and propel the region toward a more digital economy. We explore the benefits of embracing a digital transformation and how local authorities have responded by enhancing regulations to accommodate the evolving TMT landscape.
This edition covers a range of topics, including – the new Telecommunications & Information Technology Law in Saudi Arabia, the intricacies of trademarks in the Metaverse, and the legal challenges faced by the video game industry. Additionally, we take a regional perspective, discussing jurisdictions such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, and Bahrain to provide a comprehensive understanding of the TMT landscape.
We hope you thoroughly enjoy this packed issue of Law Update, filled with captivating articles that address key legal issues within a vital sector for the region.
Read the full editionThe SAIP issued a draft intellectual property (IP) legislation (the “Draft IP Legislation”) in line with the National Intellectual Property Strategy adopted earlier this year aiming to revitalize the KSA IP System for supporting and developing an economy based on innovation and knowledge. The Draft IP Legislation was issued on 5 April 2023 and will remain in public consultation until 3 May 2023.
We summarise below some of the most notable sections of the new draft.
This Draft IP Legislation provides an umbrella legislation aiming among others to:
Notably, the Draft IP Legislation addresses one of the most dilemmic IP areas which relates to the IP protection and ownership of creations generated by or through artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies (the “AI”). According to the Draft IP Legislation:
Accordingly, this section is clearly ruling out the possibility of AI (or any other emerging technology) to be considered as inventor, creator or owner of any IP generated by or through it.
Another notable aspect addressed by the Draft IP Legislation is the role of government entities and authorities, as well as research institutions in enabling IP assets through the creation, protection, management and commercialization of these.
Among the notable requirements are:
Some notable provisions in this section are:
The Draft IP Legislation provides sections pertaining:
The Draft IP Legislation is open for public consultation which closes on 3 May 2023. During this period, we will be preparing and submitting our comments on the Draft IP Legislation.
We believe that your contributions and feedback are crucial in developing a well-rounded and inclusive intellectual property system in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, we invite you to share your thoughts, suggestions, and opinions on the draft consultation paper in the comments section below or by email to 3IP@tamimi.com.
Please find a copy of the Arabic draft legislation here.
We will be sharing an “unofficial” English translation of the Draft IP Legislation shortly.
We will be closely monitoring the development in this space and will be updating you accordingly. Please stay tuned, and feel free to email us for any queries.
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