COP28: IP ‘crucial’ to green tech—and WTO must help

As COP28 comes to a close, Marisa Woutersen in Dubai speaks with Bassel El Turk of Rouse, who moderated a panel on sustainable innovation and IP at the event.

After intense overnight negotiations, COP28 concluded today in Dubai as nations reached a deal that has evoked mixed reactions around the globe.

Part of the agreement reached is to “transition away from fossil fuels”, rather than phase them out—an outcome which, regardless of your view, is a first for any COP (Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change).

IP will play a significant part in protecting the green technologies that will be needed to achieve this and other outcomes pledged in the agreement.

That is the message from Bassel El Turk, managing partner for the MEA [Middle East and Africa] region at Rouse, based in Dubai.

He told WIPR he was “proud” to moderate a 60-minute panel discussion at COP28, exploring "IP in the era of Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Sustainability".

Afterwards, WIPR caught up with El Turk to explore where IP fits into COP28’s climate change agenda.

Can you provide an overview of the current IP landscape in the context of COP28 and environmental sustainability more broadly?

“The IP landscape is undergoing significant evolution, driven by new policies, international agreements, and rapid technological advancements.

“In this context, IP rights are increasingly recognised as crucial for promoting and safeguarding green technologies. International efforts are geared towards finding a harmonious balance between protecting IP rights and facilitating technology transfer, especially in developing sustainable environmental solutions.