The U.S Commits to Egypt’s Creative Industries

The U.S. State Department’s Director of Intellectual Property Enforcement Office Tarek Fahmy and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office regional Intellectual Property Attaché Aisha Salem-Howey reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to its partnership with Egypt during their June 10-11 visit to Cairo.  The visit emphasized intellectual property rights as a driver of economic growth.  The U.S. officials hosted a roundtable discussion with creative industry private sector representatives and Egyptian government officials to discuss the flourishing creative industry landscape and the intellectual property environment that provides support and protection for creators.

During his discussions, Director Fahmy highlighted that this trip to Egypt was important because the creative industries are becoming an increasingly significant part of Egypt’s economy.  He emphasized that strong protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights are preconditions for the development of the creative industries.  These elements assure inventors, industrial designers, creative artists, and other rights holders that their ideas and patents will be protected and that they will receive compensation for the use of their creations.  Moreover, investors in the creative industries require robust IP protection.   He said, “Innovation, supported by a strong intellectual property enforcement framework, can create and sustain jobs, generate higher wages across multiple integrated industries, and significantly grow an economy.”

Director Fahmy and Attaché Salem-Howey also met with government officials and other sector stakeholders and innovators to emphasize our mutual interest in promoting intellectual property rights, economic growth, and partnership in Egypt.  The United States continues to support opportunities for Egyptians and Americans to foster economic and cultural ties to sustain our unique and valued partnership.