Sharjah: The UAE has officially launched the Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association (ERRA).
The region’s first-of-its-kind association aligns with the UAE’s ambitions to protect copyrights of content creators and safeguard the rights of authors and publishers through appropriate laws and legislations.
Prominent dignitaries who took part at the launch event organized at House of Wisdom (HoW) in Sharjah included;
- Bodour Al Qasimi, President of the International Publishers Association (IPA) and Honorary President of ERRA
- Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy
- Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth and
- Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development
We are proud to launch the pioneering Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association, a first-of-its kind initiative in the region that bolsters the position and role of the UAE in stimulating and encouraging creative industries as a fundamental pillar of the modern economy. The launch also reflects the growing dependence on intangible assets or intellectual capital as exemplified by the rapid expansion of the cultural and creative industries in the UAE’s digital economy.
Ms. Bodour Al Qasimi, President of the International Publishers Association (IPA) and Honorary President of ERRA remarked during her opening address.
The Honorary President of ERRA pointed out that the establishment of the Association is a major step in the right direction and gives a clear signal that the UAE spares no efforts in protecting the copyrights of authors and publishers.
Meanwhile, Mr. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri said, “We thank Bodour Al Qasimi for establishing and launching this association, and for her ongoing efforts and pioneering initiatives that foster the development of knowledge, culture and creative environment in Sharjah and the UAE. Under the forward-looking vision of the wise leadership, the UAE has focused on building a knowledge-based economy and is developing its legislative ecosystem to create the best society and economy, as well as become the best destination for trade, businesses, investments, talents and creative people.”
THE LAUNCH
Apart from unveiling the ERRA brand identity, the event also screened a video testimonial of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organizations (IFRRO) which described the journey of setting up the first association dedicated to the protection of copyrights in the UAE.
The Association’s strategy includes monitoring the re-use of print and digital works in schools, universities, copy and print centers, as well as public libraries, in collaboration with relevant government entities.