A thought, an idea, a drawing, a story, a mark, a brand, a product, a movie, a song, a software, a patent…..
These are all elements of an intangible property that is called « Intellectual Property ». Often it is underestimated and overlooked until it is recognized by others as a source of money generation and therefore worthy of ownership and protection.The protection of Intellectual Property is the backbone of innovation. If we cannot protect our creations or distinguish our products and services we cannot have an environment which fosters innovation, and thus is an essential element to the economic functioning and growth of any nation. Lebanon is a country which has historically distinguished itself through its merchants, having facilitated trade throughout the ancient times, and recognized as the birth place of the « modern alphabet ». However, this fact is not always known, as the concept of protecting one’s Intellectual creativity is rather a recent one in the history of the western world and even more so in Lebanon.
Therefore, it is Lebanon’s own interest to continue in upholding the IP rights, to ensure economic growth as well as intellectual growth for its lead intellects and contribute to halting the brain drain from its best talent’s seeking better opportunities for advancement abroad by having their rights clearly indicated an upheld. This Intellectual Property Courts’ serie is aimed at ensuring courts, businesses, and individuals have a reference to rely on in determining how the Trademarks are being protected and should evolve so that the global community in turn has confidence in the Lebanese system, which will result in increased growth and prosperity.
