Doha: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry hosted a special ceremony today at its Lusail headquarters to mark the World Intellectual Property Day, held this year under the theme of “IP and music: Feel the beat of IP”.
The event was graced by the presence of Ayedh Munahi Al-Qahtani, Assistant Undersecretary for trade Affairs, alongside a distinguished assembly of artists, musicians, and representatives of intellectual property offices.
The celebration is part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to promote meaningful dialogue on the significance of intellectual property, while advancing public awareness of its vital role in protecting creative expression and fostering innovation in all sectors.
In his keynote address, Abdulbaset Taleb Al-Ajji (pictured), Director of the Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department at the Ministry, underscored that intellectual property has evolved beyond a purely legal construct to become a living expression of human creativity. “Every artistic and musical work is a reflection of its creator’s spirit, and deserves to be preserved from obscurity and protected from infringement.”
Al-Ajji highlighted the enduring value of musical and artistic heritage as a vital component of cultural memory and a pillar of national identity. He further noted its growing significance within the creative economy.
He affirmed that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through its Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department, continues to advance legislative and educational initiatives to safeguard the rights of authors, artists and inventors, and sustain their innovations.
The event served as a platform for dialogue between the artistic and legal communities, aiming to raise public and professional awareness and foster partnerships between creators and policymakers to build an ecosystem that preserves the rights of creators and supports a thriving cultural environment.
During the celebration, a recorded address was delivered by H.E Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in which he reflected on the selection of music and IP into the theme of this year’s event – emphasising the transformative power of music and intellectual property.
The event featured a presentation featuring Qatar’s musical heritage, followed by two expert panel discussions. The first, titled “Copyright and its Role in Modern Economy,” explored core legal principles, Qatar’s regulatory framework, categories of protected works, exceptions, and the contribution of copyright to innovation and SME development.
The second panel brought together experts in intellectual property and professionals in the music and arts fields for a dynamic exchange of experiences. Discussions addressed the creative process, the influence of music on daily life, and the evolving challenges faced by artists in the digital age—particularly in the context of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence.
