On April 26, 2025, Lebanon celebrated World Intellectual Property Day in Aley, with the blessing of His Excellency the President of the Republic, under the generous patronage of the Ministry of Economy and Trade, and in cooperation with the Municipality of Aley.
To celebrate the occasion, CONFIDENCE-IP for Intellectual Property held a special celebration at the Cultural Center of the Municipality of Aley, focusing on two main themes:
The first theme: The role of intellectual property in supporting innovation and stimulating creativity, and its impact on economic development.
The second theme: Launching a media campaign aimed at pushing for the approval of the draft law on geographical indications, a project prepared by the Ministry of Economy 18 years ago with the contribution of Lebanese legal experts and in cooperation with EFTA countries.This cooperation has led to the adoption of three Lebanese geographical indications:
1- Hasbaya olive oil
2- Kfar Fila onions
3- Maghdouche orange blossom water
Lebanon is still awaiting the approval of this vital law to benefit from its significant value in protecting local production and strengthening farmers’ capacities.
The ceremony opened with a speech delivered by Ms. Rima Abu Ghaida Faisal, President of CONFIDENCE-IP. The speech focused on two important topics:
“First: Highlighting the importance of protecting innovation and creativity in a country brimming with talent and energy, but oftentimes, innovators don’t know how to protect their ideas or where to start.
Lebanon is rich in innovators in various fields: from writers and poets to engineers, programmers, small business owners, artists, painters, sculptors, musicians, and fashion designers. However, many of these people, unfortunately, do not realize the importance of protecting their work and innovations, or face difficulties in accessing the necessary information and legal procedures. From here, the CONFIDENCE-IP initiative was born.
We are not just an office for intellectual property protection.
We are a bridge between the idea and implementation, between the creator and the system, or the law that guarantees their rights.
We are here to say to every idea owner:
Your idea deserves to be protected,
and your name It deserves to be recorded, and your creativity deserves to be safe.
This conference today is the beginning.
It is the beginning of a new path of awareness, cooperation, and legal empowerment for creative people, economists, traders, farmers, and inventors in Lebanon.
We were honored by the presence of an elite group of local and international lecturers and specialists, who addressed topics related to intellectual property, such as trademarks, copyright, patents, industrial designs, semiconductor products, and more.
Real-life experiences will be presented, and challenges and opportunities will be discussed, with one goal: to arm everyone with an idea or project with the knowledge, confidence, and tools they need to protect their production and rights.
As we celebrate World Intellectual Property Day today, let us remember that every global trademark, every life-changing invention, and every memorable work of art began with an idea. However, that idea would not have reached its current level without protection, support, and encouragement.
Today, let us be a voice for every new idea, and an extended hand to every innovator seeking legal security and a nurturing environment.
The second topic:
Launching a campaign to approve the draft law on geographical indications, which was sent to the Council of Ministers on March 24, 2007. The Council of Ministers approved it through Resolution No. 85 of May 21, 2007. The Council then issued Decree No. 573 of July 27, 2007, which was then referred to the House of Representatives for review and ratification. The Ministry of Economy and Trade is able to implement its provisions, particularly those related to the registration of geographical indications and designations of origin.
After 18 years, we hope, in cooperation and partnership with these entities we mentioned, to launch a campaign to approve the draft law on the protection of geographical indications.”
This was followed by a speech by President Judge Nassib Elia, member of the Supreme Judicial Council and President of the Criminal Court, who highlighted the importance of the project and its positive repercussions at the legal and economic levels, in addition to speaking at length about patents.
Dr. Wissam El-Amel, Head of the Intellectual Property Protection Department at the Ministry of Economy, also delivered a speech in which he emphasized the importance of protecting geographical indications and its role in supporting the national economy.
He addressed the issue of trademark registration and its importance in supporting the economy and combating counterfeiting and trademark infringement.
The discussion also touched on copyright and the method of protecting creativity. The representative of the Ministry of Economy noted that Lebanon has not celebrated this day for five years, hoping that today will mark the beginning of greater strengthening of intellectual property protection in Lebanon and the removal of obstacles.
Finally, Dr. Mona Akel delivered a welcoming speech on behalf of the Mayor of Aley, Mr. Wajdi Murad, welcoming the attendees and affirming the municipality’s support for intellectual property protection initiatives.
The ceremony also witnessed the distribution of honorary shields to the representative of the Ministry of Economy, Dr. Wissam El-Amel, and to President Judge Nassib Elia on the occasion of his appointment as a member of the Supreme Judicial Council. A shield was also presented to the Mayor of Aley for his exceptional efforts in serving culture and sustainable development.
Dr. Hadi Abu Fakhr, after protecting and registering his new scientific work, “Merit Math,” in Lebanon and internationally through the CONFIDENCE-IP office, was appointed President of the organization in Lebanon in recognition of his role and vision in bringing Lebanon back into the PAMA International Association for Abacus and Mental Arithmetic.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, a live performance was given by Dr. Hadi’s students, who demonstrated outstanding mathematical skills, a vivid example of the exceptional capabilities that can be achieved through science and specialized training. This science, considered one of the fundamental pillars of enhancing thinking abilities, must be seriously invested in by our future generations, given its profound impact on developing the human mind, not only in solving mathematical problems, but also in solving all kinds of challenges and problems.
One of the students achieved an honorable achievement by ranking fifth in this year’s global assessment, a great source of pride for the country.
CONFIDENCE-IP Intellectual Property will continue to shine a light on innovators across the country.
The seminar was presented and moderated by Professor Elaine Rachmani Maasri.
