UAEG IS CONSIDERING WIPO INTERNET TREATIES

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABU DHABI 002981 SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/ARP, NEA/PPR AND EB/IPC FOR S. WILSON STATE PASS USTR - KALVAREZ AND JBUNTIN USDOC FOR USPTO USDOC FOR 4250/DOC/MAC/ONE/CLOUSTAUNAU GENEVA PASS USTR E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/23/2007 TAGS: PREL KIPR ETRD TC SUBJECT: UAEG IS CONSIDERING WIPO INTERNET TREATIES REF: STATE 174725 ¶1. (U) Classified by Acting DCM Thomas E. Williams for reasons 1.5 (b) and (d). ¶2. (C) Econoff delivered ref demarche, as well as an Arabic translation of WIPO's Digital Agenda, to UAE Ministry of Information Director of Copyrights Ali Al- Baloushi on June 21. Al-Baloushi noted that the protection of intellectual property on the Internet, and the expansion of e-commerce, is a priority for the UAEG. The UAEG is carefully studying the language of the WIPO treaties, with the intention of acceding within the next year. ¶3. (C) Al-Baloushi recounted the several steps that the UAEG -- and Dubai Government, in particular -- has taken to protect intellectual property on the Internet. The UAEG enacted in July 2002 Law No. 7 for Copyright and Neighboring Rights, which in addition to other works, affords protection to computer software and databases. Also in 2002, the Dubai Government passed the "Law of Electronic Transactions and Commerce No. 2/2002," which protects certain electronic records and signatures, and some electronic communications. The Dubai law also provides penalties for any person who knowingly creates, publishes or otherwise makes available a false signature or certificate, or provides false statements online for fraudulent or any other unlawful purpose. Most recently in March 2003, the International Bar Association hosted a conference in Dubai entitled, "Middle East Law and the Internet Age." The conference addressed the legal developments related to new technologies, with a focus on e-commerce in the Middle East. ¶4. (C) Comment: Dubai already has taken important steps consistent with the spirit of the WIPO Internet Treaties to protect intellectual property on the web. Federal-level legislation probably will trail the efforts of more progressive Dubai -- the future success of Dubai Internet City and Dubai International Financial Center will depend on the Government's ability to protect electronic transactions and intellectual property rights in cyberspace. Al-Baloushi said that the UAEG is working closely with WIPO to create and implement an effective IPR regime that meets international standards. We will continue to monitor and report the UAE's progress in this area, and forward any request for USG assistance that we receive. End comment. Wahba