Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association is given Ad hoc observer status at the World Intellectual Property Organization

The Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association (ERRA) has been given Ad hoc observer status at the World Intellectual Property Organization. This is an incredible milestone for ERRA and a crystal demonstration for other organizations in the UAE and the region to follow.

The Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association (ERRA), a national non-profit organization in the UAE devoted to protecting the rights of writers and publishers, has accomplished an important milestone by being given Ad hoc observer status at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Ad hoc observer 

Ad hoc observer status is a designation granted to organizations or entities by international organizations, such as the United Nations or its specialized agencies like the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This status allows the organization or entity to participate in specific meetings, sessions, or events of the international organization as an observer, even though they are not full members or official representatives.

This status is often granted to organizations or entities with a specific interest or expertise related to the topics or issues being discussed at the international organization. It allows them to access information, engage in discussions, and provide input on matters relevant to their area of expertise.

Being granted ad hoc observer status signifies a level of recognition by the international organization, acknowledging the value of the organization or entity’s contribution to the discussions and activities of the organization.

Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association to achieve Ad hoc observer status

The decision was made at a meeting of the WIPO Assemblies held in Geneva at the WIPO headquarters. This advancement places ERRA among national non-governmental organizations, and as such, it is invited to attend WIPO Assemblies and Unions sessions as an observer in accordance with relevant standards. 

ERRA now has access to meetings at WIPO’s subsidiary bodies, including particular WIPO Committee sessions, thanks to its recognition as an ad hoc observer. Additionally, it gives ERRA a chance to engage in debates on IP laws and express viewpoints on current and upcoming trends in the industry. By participating in this international stakeholder forum, ERRA affirms the UAE’s commitment to advancing intellectual property protection and places the country’s creative economy on the global intellectual property map. 

Majd Al Shehhi, the director of ERRA, remarked that this success “marks a momentous step for ERRA as it establishes its presence on a global stage.”  

He said: “The approval of observer status enhances our commitment to fighting for the preservation of intellectual property and advancing the interests of writers and publishers as an Emirati non-profit organization. By participating in this multistakeholder forum, we have the opportunity to share our opinions and help shape the direction of intellectual property.” 

The involvement of ERRA, among other stakeholder organizations and interest groups, promotes the expansion of the publishing industry in the UAE. In order to advance sustainable development goals and advance the interests of writers, publishers, and the creative industries in the UAE, the organization will take advantage of this opportunity to increase its support for creative talent of all rightholders. 

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