Ajman, August 5, 2025 - “Our Summer is Happiness”, led by the Ajman Department of Economic Development (DED), is designed to empower young residents of Ajman aged 13 to 21 through a variety of educational programs held throughout July and August 2025.
The United Trademark & Patent Services workshop was held under the Smart Consumer Program and was coordinated in collaboration with Gulf BPG. Titled “Protecting Innovation and Creativity: An Introduction to Intellectual Property,” the session was led by Mr. Essam Abdel Khaleq, Legal Consultant, and Mr. Imad El Badawi, Head of Enforcement (MENA) at UTPS.
The workshop introduced youth to the fundamentals of intellectual property, emphasizing its role in fostering innovation, creativity, and ethical consumer habits. In addition to introducing key concepts, the speakers drew on real-world examples from their regional anti-counterfeiting enforcement practice. Students were shown examples of counterfeit goods, taught how to identify fakes, and encouraged to become smart, ethical consumers by choosing legitimate sources of innovation.
Participants raised thoughtful and relevant questions about the practical application of IP rights in everyday life—such as the use of copyrighted content on social media and the risks associated with counterfeit products. These discussions reinforced the importance of IP education in building responsible and informed future consumers and innovators.
“After explaining the intellectual property aspects to the students—including a brief overview of trademarks, geographical indications, patents, industrial designs, and copyrights—Mr. Abdel Khaleq, legal consultant at UTPS, said:
“The students truly impressed us with their intelligence and curiosity. Several participants even approached me with their ideas for inventions. Hence, building IP awareness among youth is a long-term economic engine.”
“Intellectual Property is a foundation for building creative, competitive economies,” added Mr. Badawi, Head of Enforcement (MENA) at UTPS. “By promoting IP awareness among young people, we help them recognize the value of ideas and innovation from an early age. We are proud to support the vision of the Ajman Government and the Department of Economic Development in fostering innovation and empowering youth.”
United Trademark & Patent Services is committed to supporting national IP awareness efforts and contributing to a culture of innovation across the UAE and wider MENA region.
About United Trademark & Patent Services
United Trademark & Patent Services is a leading intellectual property law firm serving the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa for over 70 years. The firm advises global and regional clients on all aspects of intellectual property rights protection - from strategy to commercialization – backed by a robust presence across 16 jurisdictions. It is consistently recognized in leading industry rankings such as Managing IP, IAM Patent 100, and WTR 1000.
Learn more at www.utmps.com