Dubai Customs Sparks Innovation: Unveils 2024 Intellectual Property Award for Schools and Universities
Dubai Customs, in its dedication to involving the new generations in safeguarding intellectual property rights, has introduced the Dubai Customs Intellectual Property Award for Schools and Universities for 2024. This initiative, initiated on January 15 in collaboration with educational institutions in the country, calls upon schools and universities to submit student projects for the award, with a submission deadline of April 5. The award winners will be announced on April 26, 2024, coinciding with the celebration of World Intellectual Property Day.
Having organized the Intellectual Property Award for Schools and Universities since 2007, this current edition represents the 17th cycle, aiming to enrich students' understanding in schools and universities about the importance of protecting intellectual property rights. Emphasis is placed on its role in fostering sustainability, encouraging creativity, innovation, and active involvement in the fight against counterfeit goods.
Participating school and university teams can present projects in two categories: scientific research and short films. Scientific research projects are required to examine the role of government services in supporting intellectual property rights and their contribution to stimulating creativity and innovation. Short film projects are expected to produce educational videos advocating awareness of intellectual property rights and inspiring youth to develop new ideas and innovations.
Yousef Ozair Mubarak, Director of IPR Department, commented that the Dubai Customs Intellectual Property Award contributes to cultivating advanced awareness among new generations regarding the risks of counterfeit goods. It underscores the need to combat imitation and piracy to promote creativity, innovation, and sustainability. These efforts align with the department's commitment to enhancing the UAE's global standing in intellectual property protection, innovation, and customs excellence.
Mubarak added that accompanying the award's launch are events in universities and schools aimed at raising awareness about intellectual property rights and the dangers of counterfeit goods. Students are introduced to the award and its participation requirements to ensure that submitted projects meet the criteria for competition and success.
Dubai Customs ensures an annual celebration of the award winners on World Intellectual Property Day, distributing prizes to encourage participation and broaden the involvement of new generations in community efforts against piracy and counterfeiting.