IPO attaché in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan
The below provides guidance and helpful information on the IPO's attaché based in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan
Introduction
Based in Dubai, Sanaz Javadi Farahzadi is our Intellectual Property Office’s (IPO) attaché for the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan.
Sanaz began her career as a corporate legal counsel in the oil and telecommunications sectors before transitioning into international advisory roles with UN agencies, private companies and civil society organisations. Prior to joining the UK Government, she worked with institutions like WIPO, EUIPO and the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, contributing to technical assistance projects across multiple global regions.
How I can help
I work closely with UK businesses, governments and stakeholders to support and protect UK IP interests in the region.
I can help by:
- advising UK businesses on navigating local IP systems, including registration, enforcement and brand protection
- raising awareness of IP issues through business outreach, briefings and joint webinars with UK and local partners
- working with host governments and stakeholders to strengthen local and international IP frameworks
- providing practical guidance on the benefits of brand protection, copyright and using international IP registration processes
- signposting to resources such as country guides and information on international IP applications
With my local knowledge and network, I am an excellent point of contact for UK businesses looking to trade in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan, helping them understand opportunities, manage risks and get the recognition they deserve for their brands overseas.
How I can be contacted
Email askinternational@ipo.gov.uk and I will respond to your query within 10 working days.
Advice for UK exporters
If you’re planning to export to the Middle East, North Africa or Pakistan, make sure you include intellectual property in your market research and export planning. Always do your due diligence – check if your (or similar) trademarks or other IP rights are already registered locally and seek legal advice if you’re unsure. If your IP is an important part of your business value, register your rights as early as possible. I always recommend thorough market research, consulting experts where needed and reaching out for support to help protect your business and maximise your opportunities overseas.
Attractiveness for UK businesses exporting to Middle East and North Africa
UK businesses are increasingly drawn to the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan, particularly the states that make up the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), due to the region’s remarkable economic growth and ambitious transformation programmes aimed at diversifying beyond oil. The GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) are dynamic, high-income markets with a combined population of nearly 50 million and an economy that exceeded $1 trillion in 2022. As one of the UK’s largest non-EU trading partners, the GCC imports significant volumes of UK goods, especially in IP-intensive sectors like machinery, vehicles, textiles, clothing and food. With UK-GCC trade worth around £59 billion and ongoing efforts to establish a free trade agreement, there are substantial opportunities for UK exporters across a wide range of industries as the region continues to evolve and open up to international business.
Pakistan holds strategic importance for UK businesses due to its large and youthful population, growing tech and startup ecosystem and increasing demand for high-quality goods and services. With over 240 million people and a rising middle class, Pakistan offers significant market potential across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, education, fintech and consumer goods. The UK is already one of Pakistan’s top trading partners, and ongoing reforms in intellectual property, digital infrastructure and regulatory frameworks present new opportunities for British companies to invest, work with and expand. Strengthening IP protection and enforcement in Pakistan is particularly vital to ensure a secure environment for UK innovation, brands and creative industries.
Typical issues to be aware of
While the ease of doing business is improving across the region, UK companies can still encounter challenges when registering and protecting their intellectual property in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan. There is often a lack of awareness about IP rights, though this is changing as countries like Saudi Arabia implement national IP strategies. Navigating local IP systems can be complex, with significant differences in administration and enforcement across the region. High registration fees, risks of trademark infringement and inconsistent enforcement are common issues, and some services, such as international registration options, may not be available everywhere. Additionally, the presence of counterfeit goods, digital piracy and varying quality of IP services can pose risks. Although IP legislation is developing rapidly, especially in the UAE, implementation remains uneven, making local guidance and support from the IPO attaché invaluable for UK businesses.