MUSCAT: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Royal Opera House Muscat, and the Oman Music Centre, organised a celebration marking World Intellectual Property Day 2025 under the theme “Intellectual Property and Music: Feeling the Rhythm of Creativity". The event aimed at raising awareness about the importance of protecting creative works and fostering innovation. This year’s theme highlighted music as a universal language that reflects cultural identity and unites people, while also being an industry built on intellectual property rights deserving of protection and support.
Nasra al Habsi, Director-General of Commerce at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, emphasised that World Intellectual Property Day serves as an opportunity to enhance public awareness of intellectual property rights as a pillar of sustainable development. She noted that IP rights — including patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyrights and geographical indications — contribute to improving the business environment and advancing societies.
Al Habsi pointed out that intellectual property in music extends beyond composing melodies and lyrics, encompassing performance recordings, album designs and distribution methods, all of which require a fair legal protection framework. She stressed that proper licensing for the use of musical works is a key tool in safeguarding artists' rights, ensuring they receive fair compensation when their work is used in films, advertisements, games and public performances.
The celebration featured live musical performances by Omani talents, alongside workshops from participating institutions that addressed the challenges creators face in protecting their work. Discussions also covered the role of legislation and modern technologies in tracking rights and ensuring fair usage.
Interactive sessions explored how intellectual property supports the music industry and raises awareness among creators.
The ministry, represented by the National Intellectual Property Office, reported that 24,800 trademark examination requests were processed in 2024, while trademark filings rose to 14,100, up from 13,400 in 2023 — a 5-per cent increase.
Registered trademarks reached 6,900, compared to 7,700 the previous year. Copyright applications saw a notable rise, with 175 submissions in 2024 versus 143 in 2023. Industrial design applications surged by 115%, totalling 43 in 2024, compared to 20 in 2023, while national patent applications increased to 127, up from 100 in 2023. - ONA
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