How our IP Attaché network can help you do business with the Middle East and North Africa

And now for the last of our ‘Attaché Season’ series profiling IPO’s international network of IP experts.

We talked to Ben Llewellyn-Jones, IPO’s Director of Business and International Policy, to gain an overview of the work of the IPO’s international team in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

GCC - did you know?

·?????? As a region, GCC is one of the largest trading partners for the UK: GCC is currently the UK’S and the EU’s 4th largest non-EU trading partner after the USA, China and Switzerland

·?????? UK trade in the GCC is worth around ￡59 billion

·?????? The GCC is made-up of dynamic high-income countries with a population of nearly 50 million people and an economy which surpassed $1 trillion in 2022 when Saudi was one of the fastest growing economies in the G20 group of countries.

What is the appeal of MENA and GCC for UK businesses?

It was clear from speaking with Ben that the Middle East, and in particular the six countries that make up the Gulf Cooperation Council, are very important trading partners for the UK. We wanted to know why UK businesses are attracted to trade in MENA and GCC.

Ben told us how the GCC is a major importing region of UK goods in IP intensive industries: machinery, vehicles, textiles, clothing and food.

“The importance we place on the trading relationship is evidenced by the work we are doing to prepare a UK-GCC free trade agreement. Even now there are huge opportunities for UK exporting businesses across a range of industries”

What issues are UK businesses likely to face when trading in the region?

Ben was keen to emphasise how, as the region moves away from its traditional oil-based economy, ease of doing business is improving in GCC countries. UK businesses can still face a number of challenges when registering and protecting their IP in the Middle East, he cautioned. He outlined how these can range from difficulties with issues such as the need to take effective action against trade mark infringement to encountering high registration fees.

“A common problem we have seen in the region is a general lack of awareness of IP and IP rights… but this is changing.

Saudi Arabia has a national IP strategy and we are working closely with key stakeholders in the region to make sure that the IP regime works well for exporting businesses and that IP is properly regarded as a key business asset”.

How can IPO’s global IP network help?

We know that local IP systems can be difficult for some to navigate even if a business has registered its IP in the UK with the IPO.

“This is where our international team can help with their local knowledge”, said Ben. “We can help to guide businesses through these IP systems, guide you through what to expect and support you as you build your business overseas”

Ben’s top tips for trading in the Middle East and North Africa

Ben was enthusiastic in urging businesses to reach out to the IPO for help with unfamiliar overseas IP frameworks overseas.

“We can help you to navigate these challenges and succeed in an important market,” he said.

And his top piece of advice?

·?????? If you're looking to trade in MENA and the GCC, include IP as part of your market research or export plan

·?????? Do your due diligence and check, for example, if someone already registered a trademark that is the same as yours. If you're not sure, we'll have a complex portfolio of IP rights and legal experts who will be able to help you.

·?????? Finally, if your IP is an important part of your business value, register your rights as soon as you can!

Make good use of our resources

IPO support includes country guides to the six GCC member States and information on the ways you can register your IP using international application processes.

You will find plenty of useful guidance on IPO's International IP Service web page – useful links below.

View the interview with Ben here: YouTube Video

Why not subscribe to our ‘Attaché Season’ series on LinkedIn?

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Useful links ?

The IPO is constantly adding new resources to its website. You will find country and regional guides, tools for businesses as well as a masterclass that can help businesses and business advisors gain a better understanding of IP.

Find country guides for Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE - International IP service

IPO Free online IP business tools and training

IP Masterclass – keep an eye out for forthcoming IP classes for businesses and business advisors at Intellectual property training course: IP Masterclass.