ABU DHABI, 5th December, 2016 (WAM) -- From January to October 2016, the Ministry of Economy's International Centre for Patents Registration, ICPR, granted 185 patents out of 1,368 registered applications, ministry data shows.

''The most significant achievements of the Intellectual Property Sector during the first 10 months of 2016 was the reception and registration of 1,368 patent applications, with the evaluation of 837 applications completed and resulting in the granting of 185 patents,'' said Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, in a report issued by the ministry on the occasion of the UAE's 45th National Day.

In addition, he added, the ministry received 700 request for industrial design certificates, 251 of which were granted. There were also 500 requests for the registration of Intellectual Property Rights, 346 of which were granted. Trademark registration applications filed at the Ministry totalled 16,464 as of mid-November 2016, with 15,377 applications completed.

Al Mansouri said that the development of the intellectual property system and the protection of creator and inventor rights are main pillars in the UAE's efforts to enhance the environment of innovation and create a knowledge-based economy because of their importance in preventing fraud and preserving the rights of institutions, companies and individuals.

He explained that such initiatives encourage inventors and provide the appropriate environment for transforming creative ideas into applications and coming up with innovative solutions that can spur economic growth and improve the competitiveness of the UAE.

The ministry's most prominent achievement in this sector for 2016 was the opening of the International Centre for Patents Registration, the culmination of a series of efforts made by the ministry to develop the Industrial Property Department. Plans for the centre included several stages involving the inception, development and operation of the centre within the Ministry.

Training, advisory and other pertinent aspects were undertaken in collaboration with the Korean Intellectual Property Office.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2016.