First In-person WIPO-Saudi Arabia Summer School on Intellectual Property
October 29, 2024
The first in-person WIPO – Saudi Arabia Summer School was held in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia from October 13 to 24, 2024 for the benefit of 40 senior students and young professionals from 22 countries. The summer school was jointly organized by the WIPO Academy, the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).
What did the summer school cover?
The program was held on KAUST campus and featured interactive lecturers from professors and professionals from the private sector, WIPO and SAIP. The program featured lectures on all aspects of intellectual property (IP), including:
- Economics of IP;
- Trade secrets and open source;
- IP and biotechnology;
- Patents and trade secrets; and
- IP valuation and management.
Participants also engaged in simulation exercises on licensing negotiations and alternative dispute resolution in IP disputes and field visit to the Museum of Science and Technology in Islam at KAUST.
What are the organizers saying?
The first in-person WIPO-Saudi Arabia Summer School has been a groundbreaking milestone in our mission to deepen intellectual property (IP) knowledge among university students and young professionals. SAIP, KAUST, and the WIPO Academy, each contributing their expertise in the latest IP developments, engaged global experts to deliver powerful learning opportunities, offering real-world examples to enrich understanding. Our collaboration with SAIP and KAUST aligns seamlessly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to raise IP awareness for the benefit of all. This partnership helps cultivate a new generation of international IP experts, equipped with world-class IP education.
Hasan Kleib, Deputy Director General of the Regional and National Development Sector of WIPO
The successful conclusion of the Intellectual Property Summer School reflects our commitment to fostering a global knowledge of innovation and creativity. Through strategic partnerships with world-class institutions like KAUST and WIPO, we aim to empower the next generation of IP professionals from around the globe. This initiative not only enhances expertise in intellectual property but also aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader vision of leadership in innovation and intellectual property, ultimately driving sustainable development on a global scale.
Eng. Sami AlSodais, Deputy CEO of IP Policy and Strategy at SAIP
KAUST has always been based on innovation. However, as we progress with our Accelerating Impact Strategy we are transforming to take the lead across all stages in the translation of innovation to commercialization, including IP. An essential component is the building of partnerships with international organizations like WIPO as part of our knowledge sharing to help drive the knowledge-based economy across Saudi Arabia and achieve the ambitious goals of Vision 2030.
Mr. Ian Campbell, Vice President of the National Transformation Institute at KAUST