A call for intellectual property protection of local fashion creativity has been made by a pioneer in the field.
Bahrain Intellectual Property Society (BIPS) vice-chairwoman Omaima Alsayed believes that creativity needs legal protection to thrive.
She believes that it comes in a world where fashion trends shift by the season and the line between inspiration and imitation is increasingly blurred making the battle to protect original creative work more urgent.
“Creativity alone is not enough,” said Ms Alsayed.
“Behind every successful design lies something even more powerful – protection. That’s what intellectual property offers to designers and creators.”
Ms Alsayed’s insight into the fashion industry is rooted in personal experience. As both a designer and entrepreneur, she has witnessed first-hand the vulnerability of original creations in a fast-paced, globalised market.
“Designers pour vision, artistry and innovation into their work. But in an industry where trends change overnight and imitation is rampant, protecting those creative assets is crucial,” explained Ms Alsayed.
Her perspective began to evolve dramatically after receiving several honours from the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), a milestone that opened a new dimension in her understanding of creativity.
“Being recognised by WIPO was a turning point,” she said.
“It made me realise that the legal and strategic framework surrounding creativity is just as vital as the creative process itself.”
Motivated by this recognition, Ms Alsayed pursued a certified qualification in intellectual property from WIPO and completed a specialised course focusing on the intersection of fashion and intellectual property (IP).
“Those experiences gave me the tools I needed not just to protect my own work, but to help others in the industry do the same,” she said.
Fuelled by a desire to spread this knowledge, Ms Alsayed co-founded the BIPS, the first organisation in the kingdom dedicated to IP education and advocacy, helping lead nationwide initiatives to empower artists, entrepreneurs and creatives with knowledge about their rights.
“BIPS was founded with a simple but vital mission: to bridge the gap between innovation and protection,” she said.
“We want to ensure that Bahraini creators understand the value of their work and how to legally protect it, whether they’re fashion designers, software developers, musicians or inventors.”
BIPS offers a growing platform for seminars, workshops and community resources focused on the practical application of IP.
It also serves as a connector between creatives and expert legal entities such as Abu-Ghazaleh Intellectual Property (involved in trademarks, patents, designs, copyrights and domain name registration) and Saba IP (an intellectual property firm active in the Middle East and Africa) and PRIME, which specialises in copyright, IP and trademark registration.
Ms Alsayed said fashion is more than clothing; it’s a cultural statement, an economic engine and a powerful vehicle for personal and national identity.
“A brand is more than a name,” she explained. “It’s a story, a reputation and a promise of quality.
“Trademarks protect logos and brand identity. Copyrights cover original artistic expression. Design patents safeguard the unique aesthetic elements of garments or accessories.”
While fashion may be harder to protect than other industries, given how fast styles evolve, Ms Al Sayed believes these legal mechanisms offer essential safeguards.
“A logo, a signature pattern or a unique silhouette – all of these can be protected,” she said.
“IP rights not only offer legal assurance, they provide an economic incentive. A well-protected design can lead to licensing deals, collaborations and long-term revenues.”
Ms Alsayed said arrangements are being made with Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam to enhance existing legislations.
“Despite Bahrain’s compliance with international treaties and IP conventions, the challenges remain steep, particularly for small designers and emerging brands.
“The global nature of fashion complicates enforcement.
“Designs shared online can be replicated and sold in jurisdictions with weak IP laws. And for many creatives, the cost of legal action is simply out of reach.”
She believes that even when creators understand their rights, they are better equipped to defend them.
“As Bahrain continues to invest in its creative industries, we see as experts in the field an enormous potential for Bahrain to become a regional leader in IP awareness and cultural entrepreneurship.
“The message to fellow designers and artists is clear: know your rights, protect your work and build sustainable careers through innovation backed by legal strategy.
For designers in Bahrain looking to take that step, Ms Alsayed offered practical advice:
1. Register your creations, through the Industry and Commerce Ministry for trademarks, patents and industrial designs, and through the Information Ministry for copyrights.
2. Seek legal and strategic guidance from firms like AGIP, Saba IP, or PRIME.
3. Engage with BIPS for community support, expert seminars and ongoing education.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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