The inaugural in-person WIPO – Saudi Arabia Summer School recently took place in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, bringing together 40 senior students and young professionals from 22 countries. The event was a collaborative effort by the WIPO Academy, Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP), and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).
The program, hosted on the KAUST campus, featured interactive sessions led by experts from academia, the private sector, WIPO, and SAIP. Topics covered included:
- Economics of Intellectual Property (IP)
- Trade Secrets and Open Source
- IP and Biotechnology
- Patents and Trade Secrets
- IP Valuation and Management
Participants also engaged in exercises on licensing negotiations, alternative dispute resolution, and visited the Museum of Science and Technology in Islam at KAUST.
The summer school was a significant step in enhancing IP knowledge among students and young professionals. The collaboration with SAIP and KAUST supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to foster a new generation of IP experts.
Hasan Kleib, Deputy Director General, WIPO
This initiative strengthens global understanding of innovation and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s vision for leadership in IP, driving sustainable development worldwide.
Eng. Sami AlSodais, Deputy CEO, SAIP
KAUST is committed to innovation and is leading efforts to translate it into commercialization, aided by partnerships with international organizations like WIPO, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s knowledge-based economy and Vision 2030 goals.
Mr. Ian Campbell, Vice President, KAUST