Andrews Kurth and Murgitroyd Collaborate to Present Seminar on IP Protection for Middle East Energy Technologies

The Middle East, recognized as the world’s largest petroleum-producing region, is facing increasing production challenges that are driving demand for advanced energy technologies. Andrews Kurth, a law firm with a strong focus on the energy sector in the Middle East, North America, and the Far East, highlights that UK energy companies now have unprecedented opportunities to engage with this evolving market.

To address these developments, Andrews Kurth has joined forces with Murgitroyd, a global intellectual property firm, to present a seminar titled “Intelligent Energy Law in the Middle East – Protecting and Exploiting Advanced Energy Technology and Know-How.” The seminar is set to take place on February 6, 2014, at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, coinciding with the Subsea Expo event.

The seminar will begin with an overview of the Middle East energy market, followed by sessions designed to help delegates understand how to acquire and transfer energy technology within the region. Attendees will also explore intellectual property strategies employed by large corporations and learn how smaller firms can implement cost-effective global IP protections.

Hugh Fraser, Office Managing Partner of Andrews Kurth’s Middle East office in JLT, emphasized the dynamic nature of the Middle East energy sector. He noted, “There is a rapidly changing scenario in the Middle East as the challenge of optimizing production requires advanced technology and expertise. This trend, which can be evidenced by Saudi Aramco’s drive towards high technology solutions, presents major opportunities for British companies.”

Fraser cautioned, however, that companies must take robust measures to protect their intellectual property to avoid risks of exposure. “Conventional thinking has been to focus IP protection in the US and Europe. Our seminar will highlight the legal protections available for technology, brands, engineering designs, software and other specialist know-how in the Middle East and explore the trends in global IP strategies,” he added.

The panel for the seminar will include Hugh Fraser, Jeff Dodd, and Greg Porter from Andrews Kurth, alongside James Brown from Murgitroyd.

James Brown of Murgitroyd elaborated on the unique IP landscape in the Middle East, stating, “The Middle East provides unique Intellectual Property protection for technology, brands, engineering designs and software. We will outline the options available in the six GCC countries and will also touch on Iraq, as well as the improving position with Iran.”

Brown further explained that the seminar will cover the legal procedures, costs, and timelines involved in securing IP rights in these jurisdictions. The goal is to assist companies in capitalizing on current market opportunities while minimizing the risk of proprietary technology and know-how being exploited by others.

Murgitroyd is a global intellectual property firm with 15 offices worldwide, including locations in the UK, US, Germany, France, Italy, Ireland, and Finland. The firm employs approximately 240 staff and boasts the largest specialist energy IP team in Europe, headquartered in Aberdeen.

Due to limited availability, interested parties are encouraged to reserve their place by contacting events@bigpartnership.co.uk.