The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) recently hosted a special ceremony at its Lusail headquarters to mark “World Intellectual Property Day” under the theme *IP and music: feel the beat of IP.
The event was graced by Assistant Undersecretary for Trade Affairs Ayedh Munahi al-Qahtani, 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, the director of the MoCI’s Intellectual Property Rights Protection Department, underscored that intellectual property (IP) 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,” said the official, who highlighted the enduring value of musical and artistic heritage as a vital component of cultural memory and a pillar of national identity.
Al-Ajji further noted its growing significance within the creative economy.
He affirmed that the MoCI, 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 World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) director-general Daren Tang, 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, and their capacity to enrich lives and shape a better world.
The event featured a presentation showcasing Qatar’s musical heritage, followed by a panel discussion on “Copyright and its Role in Modern Economy”, which explored core legal principles, Qatar’s regulatory framework, categories of protected works, exceptions, and the contribution of copyright to innovation and SME development.
Another 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.
The panel also discussed the MoCI’s role in fostering a supportive legal and cultural framework for intellectual property in Qatar.
