Sharjah: In the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Honorary President of the Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association (ERRA), the association signed a bilateral cooperation agreement with the Polish Reprographic Rights Organisation (KOPIPOL), which specialises in the collective management of authors’ rights for scientific and technical works.The agreement was signed on the sidelines of ERRA’s participation in the Warsaw International Book Fair 2026, as part of Sharjah’s Guest of Honour programme.The agreement reflects Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi’s commitment to strengthening intellectual property protection frameworks and supporting the development of publishing and creative industries. It also reinforces the UAE’s position as a leading regional and global model in intellectual property rights protection.It aligns with ERRA’s focus on building strategic partnerships and supporting the sustainable growth of cultural and creative industries at both local and international levels, while contributing to shaping the future of the sector.The cooperation agreement aims to enhance the exchange of expertise and knowledge, while developing joint working mechanisms in reprographic rights protection and collective rights management. It also seeks to establish a more sustainable creative environment that supports creators and safeguards their rights.As part of the integrated Emirati cultural programme during the fair, ERRA showcased the UAE’s experience in reprographic rights management, highlighting its efforts to protect intellectual and creative works. The association also emphasised the importance of respecting copyright amid rapid transformations in the global publishing and creative industries.ERRA organised a specialised panel discussion titled “Collective Management Organisations and Their Role in Protecting Creativity – Between the UAE and Poland”, in collaboration with KOPIPOL, and with the participation of leading experts and specialists in copyright and collective rights management.The session explored the vital role of collective management organisations in regulating the use of creative works within educational and cultural institutions, as well as licensing mechanisms that ensure the protection of authors’ and creators’ moral and economic rights.It also addressed key challenges posed by the digital age to reprographic rights systems and highlighted the importance of international cooperation in developing intellectual property protection frameworks, using the Emirati-Polish model as an example.In this context, Mohamed bin Dakhin Al Matrooshi, President of ERRA, said: “Our participation in the Warsaw International Book Fair represents an important strategic milestone in strengthening international dialogue on the future of reprographic rights and collective rights management, particularly in light of the rapid changes taking place across the cultural and creative industries worldwide.”He added: “At ERRA, we are fostering a culture of respect for reprographic rights and building an integrated framework that supports the protection of creative works, safeguarding the moral and economic rights of creators. We are also committed to strengthening cooperation with international institutions to exchange expertise and develop innovative mechanisms, creating a more equitable and sustainable creative environment while enhancing the sector’s readiness for the future.”
