Dubai:Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region has appointed Dr Tarek Hajjiri as its first Commissioner of Intellectual Property (IP).

The appointment follows the enactment of Intellectual Property Law in 2019, which underscores the DIFC's commitment to applying international best practice, protecting intellectual property rights of businesses and ensuring creativity and innovation thrives in Dubai and DIFC.

The Commissioner of Intellectual Property will work alongside the DIFC’s entities to shape the development of the creative economy and enhance Dubai’s position as a preferred destination for creative talent and entrepreneurship.  

The responsibilities of the DIFC Commissioner of Intellectual Property will include overseeing and administering IP legislation within the Centre, resolving disputes and imposing penalties for non-compliance.

Dr Hajjiri is well known in Dubai having provided legal guidance for many years to DIFC and Dubai Economic Council. He is an expert on Intellectual Property and Family Business, the latter being the subject of his ground-breaking doctorate thesis.

Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, commented: “We are delighted to appoint DIFC’s first Commissioner of Intellectual Property. World class intellectual property legislation will provide maximum protection for our clients as they continue to be creative and innovate. It also makes Dubai and DIFC attractive and safe places to come up with new ideas, supporting our commitment to drive the future of finance.”