Dubai SME, the agency of the Department of Economic Development mandated to develop the Emirate's small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, and Al Tamimi & Company, the largest law firm in the Middle East which specializes in patents and innovations, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support entrepreneurial innovations and patents. The MoU reflects both parties' commitment to achieving the UAE's vision to enable the SME sector to make a positive impact economically, socially and culturally. Saeed Matar Al Marri, Deputy CEO, signed the MoU on behalf of Dubai SME while Ahmad Saleh, Regional Director in charge of Patents, Industrial Designs, R & D and innovation, and Omar Obeidat, Partner and Head of Intellectual Property Department, signed for Al Tamimi & Company, in the presence of senior officials from both companies. The agreement will allow aspiring entrepreneurs to implement prototypes of their projects under patent protection. The Hamdan Innovation Incubator (Hi2), an initiative launched by Dubai SME, will co-ordinate with Al Tamimi & Company to patent innovations of registered members and provide legal services to protect their intellectual property. Commenting on the partnership, Al Marri said Dubai SME is pleased to work together with Al Tamimi & Company to provide services that would encourage local innovations and inventions. "Dubai SME's Hamdan Innovation Incubator is focussed on enabling UAE youth to invest their efforts and creativity in innovative ventures, thereby grooming a generation of successful entrepreneurs. This is the latest Dubai SME initiative designed to promote innovative start-ups and protect intellectual property," Al Marri said. Al Marri added that the agreement supports the implementation of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to make the UAE the most innovative nation in the world and maintain its position as the most innovative Arab nation. Ahmad Saleh said Al Tamimi is proud to partner with Dubai SME and extend its specialist legal knowledge, know-how and technical expertise in the fields of innovation and intellectual property, including patent protection, to local entrepreneurs. "We are pleased to play our part in spreading a culture of innovation and fostering developments in innovation in the UAE through the participation in awareness activities in collaboration with the Hamdan Innovation Incubator." Omar Obeidat added: "Al Tamimi & Company looks forward to working with entrepreneurs and SMEs in the UAE, to provide them with legal guidance and assistance for the development, protection and commercialization of their innovations." Hi2 was launched in September 2014 under the patronage of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, to support and promote innovations and excellence among entrepreneurial initiatives across all categories. Located in the Business Village in Dubai, Hi2 also represents the largest concentration of SMEs in Dubai.
