International Journal of Intellectual Property Management (18 papers in press)

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  The impact of trademark protection on online keyword advertising in the UAE ( Free Full-text Access )

  by Mohammed Rababa, Sumaiya Firoz Nomani 
  Abstract: This article critically examines the implications of trademark protection on online keyword advertising in the United Arab Emirates. It contributes to the existing literature by addressing the lack of UAE-specific research in the intersection of trademark law and digital keyword advertising, offering doctrinal insights drawn from local jurisprudence. As digital marketing increasingly relies on search engine advertising platforms like Google AdWords, the use of trademarks as keywords raises complex legal questions around infringement, consumer confusion and fair competition. The article analyses the functions of trademarks like origin, quality assurance and advertising, and evaluates how these are recognised under the UAE Trademark Law. Drawing from UAE legal precedents and comparative jurisprudence, particularly the EUs Google France v. Louis Vuitton case, the article argues that UAE law primarily protects the origin function and that keyword advertising would not constitute infringement unless it misleads consumers regarding the source of goods and services. The analysis reveals a gap in the UAE legal literature on online infringement and underscores the policy need for clearer statutory guidance on digital advertising practices to ensure consumer protection and fair competition in e-commerce. It offers UAE-centric insights to help policymakers balance trademark protection with innovation-driven market growth.
  Keywords: trademark protection; trademark law; unfair competition; online keyword advertising.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJIPM.2026.10076793
   
  
• Inventors knowledge acquisition, self-innovation efficiency, and the role of organisation for patenting in high-quality green patent production in China  
  by Gao Yuan, Rahimi Abidin, Faisal Zulhumadi 
  Abstract: This research addressed the gaps in literature by measuring inventors knowledge acquisition ability and self-innovation efficiency and analysing the moderating role of the organisation for patenting, which refers to the internal structures, strategies, and management practices within firms that support patenting activities, such as patent culture, rewarding mechanisms, patent committees, and top management involvement. This concept is distinct from external patent-granting organisations and highlights how firms can internally enhance their ability to secure high-quality patents. A five-point Likert scale questionnaire was used for data collection using convenience sampling. 352 respondents of this research were professionals who hold formal positions in green innovation enterprises in China. The findings of measurement model assessment and structural model assessment were used for the analysis of data using Smart PLS 4. The study found significant correlations between inventors knowledge acquisition ability, self-innovation efficiency, and the role of firm-level patent organisations in high-quality green patent production. The study provides practical implications for firms to grant high-quality green patents successfully.
  Keywords: inventor’s knowledge acquisition; self-innovation efficiency; high-quality green patent; patent organisation; China.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJIPM.2025.10071650
   
  
• Unveiling the drivers of CSR disclosure in emerging economies: the role of boardrooms, firm characteristics and political stability in Palestine  
  by Ammar Salem, Alaa Jarrar, Raed Abdelhaq, Abdulnaser Ibrahim Nour, Abdalmuttaleb M.A. Musleh Al-Sartawi 
  Abstract: This study investigates the impact of board structure, firm characteristics, and political stability on the corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure of Palestine Exchange (PEX)-listed companies over the 20142023 period. Using 430 firm-year observations of 43 firms, CSR disclosure was measured with a 28-item index. Results indicate that board independence and political stability are negatively associated with CSR disclosure, while audit committee presence, firm age, and firm size have positive effects. CEO duality, gender diversity, board meetings, board education, profitability, and leverage were not significant. Overall, the Palestinian firms disclosed 46% of the CSR index items, with evidence of a strong negative association between political stability and CSR disclosure. The findings demonstrate significant implications for policymakers and regulators to embrace improved governance practices and implement standardised CSR measurement tools to promote transparency and accountability in emerging economies.
  Keywords: CSR disclosure; board composition; Palestine Exchange; PEX; political stability; CSR index; firm characteristics; political stability; Palestine.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJIPM.2025.10073669
   
  
• Investigating service quality, perceived risk, and marketing strategies to enhance perceived value in online shopping  
  by Huy Mach Tran, Thuy Dung Pham Thi 
  Abstract: This study examines how personalised marketing (PM) and external cues influence customer-perceived value in e-commerce using the S-O-R framework. PM and external cues act as stimuli affecting service quality and perceived risk, which mediate their impact on customer-perceived value. Structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis of e-commerce user data shows that PM enhances service quality, reduces perceived risks, and boosts customer-perceived value. External cues, like brand reputation and pricing transparency, also lower risks and improve service quality perceptions. The findings underscore the importance of PM, effective external cues, and risk mitigation strategies, offering actionable insights for enhancing trust, engagement, and competitive advantage in online marketplaces. This study advances knowledge by examining the interplay between personalised marketing (PM), external cues, and customer-perceived value in e-commerce through the S-O-R framework. By highlighting the mediating roles of service quality and perceived risk, it provides novel insights into how PM and external cues enhance value perception. The findings offer practical implications for e-commerce managers, emphasising strategies to foster trust, improve engagement, and strengthen competitive advantage in online marketplaces.
  Keywords: service quality; risk; value; marketing strategies; online shopping.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJIPM.2025.10073798
   
  
• Intellectual property in short-, medium-, and long-term planning: alternative paths for commercialising  
  by Anargul Tapalchinova, Aigul Alibekova, Myrzabek Zhanat, Maiya Kayumova, Nataliia Fominykh 
  Abstract: The aim of this research is to outline the spectrum of paths for commercialising intellectual property and to identify the most advantageous approaches for different planning timeframes (short-term, medium-term, and long-term). The approximation of trend dynamics for the analysis and forecasting of changes in the field of intellectual property has enabled the identification of key patterns and conclusions regarding the current state and future prospects of this sector, with a focus on Kazakhstan. An analysis of business practices in the field of intellectual property over the past two decades has highlighted major innovation holders. Cluster analysis has grouped countries based on similar intellectual property creation indicators, allowing for the identification of groups of countries with comparable levels of activity and characteristics in this area. This facilitated the development of recommendations for enhancing the national intellectual property system, drawing on successful international practices.
  Keywords: academic entrepreneurship; business protection; clustering; innovation economy; intellectual property rights.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJIPM.2025.10073896
   
  
• Metaverse medicine: pioneering anti-aging solutions in virtual healthcare  
  by Dileep Kumar Murala 
  Abstract: Metaverse technology intrigues academia and industry. Several stakeholders are considering metaverse expansion for app usability. Healthcare uses the Metaverse to improve services and lives. Metaverse technology intrigues academia and industry. Several stakeholders are considering metaverse expansion for app usability. Healthcare uses the Metaverse to improve services and lives. By studying metaverse-based digital anti-aging healthcare, we demonstrate how metaverse applications in chronic illness treatment, exercise, and mental health monitoring increase healthcare and patient longevity. The Metaverse creates new healthcare choices using AI, Blockchain, IoT, DT, and IT. These technologies help doctors improve patient outcomes, decrease costs, and offer novel, longevity-promoting experiences. Blockchain securely and transparently keeps healthcare data, while AI can evaluate massive databases and recommend therapies. Therapeutic IoT devices collect real-time patient data. These technologies could revolutionise healthcare and boost patient well-being worldwide. This study advises developing digital anti-aging for customers to live longer.
  Keywords: healthcare; virtual reality; artificial intelligence; blockchain; internet of things; immersive technology; digital twin technology.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJIPM.2025.10074281
   
  
• Corporate transparency under pressure: the association between corporate social responsibility disclosure and earnings management in contexts of political instability  
  by Duha Jamal Rabaia, Alaa Jarrar, Raed Abdelhaq, Rahma Odeh, Jawad Zaki Eleyan, Mays Mubaslat, Abdulnaser Ibrahim Nour 
  Abstract: Corporate transparency is both challenging and essential in politically unstable environments. This study investigates the association between corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure and earnings management (EM) in Palestine, a market characterised by economic uncertainty and political instability. A content analysis approach was applied to a balanced panel of 430 firm-year observations from 43 companies listed on the Palestine Stock Exchange during 20152024. CSR disclosure was measured using an index adapted from the Global Reporting Initiative, while EM was proxied by discretionary accruals estimated through the Kothari model. The findings reveal a significant negative association between CSR disclosure and EM, showing that firms with higher CSR transparency are less likely to EM. Political stability also shows a significant negative effect on EM, showing that higher political stability is associated with lower EM. Moreover, leverage and profitability are positively associated with EM. These results align with agency, stakeholder, and legitimacy theories, underlining the importance of CSR in strengthening governance and stakeholder trust. This research contributes to the limited literature on CSR and EM in politically unstable contexts and provides practical implications for regulators looking to reinforce governance systems and enhance financial transparency.
  Keywords: earnings management; corporate social responsibility disclosure; political stability; Palestine Stock Exchange.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJIPM.2025.10074319
   
  
• Patent protection by publicly funded R&D institutions with their research collaborators a case study from India  
  by Venkataraman Parthasarathy, Shruti Hapse, E. Muthukumar 
  Abstract: Collaborating for research is common R&D practices for development of new process and product. Several R&D institutions collaborate and showed their output in terms of research publication and patents. The information related to research collaborations can be retrieved from the assignee data available in patent databases. R&D institutions in India are allocated with budget from government. There are reports available on R&D institutions regarding their R&D output and outcomes, however, there is no specific study related to how government R&D institutions have explored opportunities in collaborations with other institutions. Hence, there is need to study collaborations by publicly funded R&D institutions in India by using patent information. This article includes collaborations between government and private organisations. It highlights perceptive from technology focused in collaborated patents. This study found that collaborative research have output in terms of the patents; however, the outcomes in terms of commercialisation were found to be low.
  Keywords: research collaboration; patents; assignee; technology area; international patent classification; IPC; public institution; private organisation; research and development; R&D; commercialisation; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJIPM.2025.10074484
   
  
• Intellectual property at a crossroads: AIs impact on US copyright law  
  by Mohammad Reza Khonaksar, Farzane Karimi 
  Abstract: The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) in generating autonomous creative works challenges copyright law's foundational principles of human authorship. This article analyses the complex interplay between US copyright law and AI-generated content, highlighting the legal ambiguities that arise. As AIs creative capacities outstrip existing legal frameworks, the need for doctrinal adaptation becomes evident. We explore potential authorship frameworks, including AI as author, computational co-authorship, and the traditional tool-user approach. Through analysis of recent case law, notably Kashtanova v. Stable Diffusion, we illustrate the challenges in recognising AIs role within legal constructs that require human creative input. We also address the implications for fair use and the public domain, proposing that copyright law may need significant reform. This exploration seeks to reconcile AIs role with the incentive structures for human creativity. Our findings advocate for a dynamic legal framework that supports innovation while ensuring copyright continues to serve its constitutional purpose.
  Keywords: artificial intelligence; copyright law; AI authorship; computational creativity; intellectual property; fair use; public domain; digital copyright; human collaboration; legal frameworks for AI; AI-generated content.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJIPM.2025.10075042
   
  
• Enforcement and innovation in Indian competition law through doctrinal analysis and survey evidence  
  by R. Gokul, E. Prema 
  Abstract: Indias regulatory landscape has changed a lot since the enforcement of competition legislation began. This study examines the correlation between competition law enforcement and innovation results in India, a jurisdiction characterised by nascent regulatory institutions and developing jurisprudence. The study employs a mixed method design, integrating doctrinal and content analysis of the Competition Act, 2002, its amendments, and over a decade of directives from the Competition Commission of India (CCI), alongside an empirical survey of lawyers, policymakers, economists, and corporate counsels in sectors highly oriented towards innovation. Survey tools measured peoples opinions on the fairness of enforcement, the functioning of the market, and the effects of innovation, using examples such as patent filings, R&D spending, and product launches. The results reveal that behavioural remedies are positively related to product innovation, but structural penalties have only weak or inconsistent relationships with patent activity. Sectoral patterns indicate that innovation enforcement is stronger in the pharmaceutical sector than in telecoms, highlighting that each business has its own unique dynamics. Factor analysis showed that the construct was legitimate (CR > 0.85; AVE > 0.60), and quantitative analysis used correlation tests with confidence intervals, time series checks for autocorrelation, and partial correlations.
  Keywords: competition law; enforcement; innovation; sectoral dynamics; autocorrelation; partial correlations.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJIPM.2025.10075673
   
  
• From crisis to catalyst: wearable neurotechnology innovation in the post-COVID era  
  by Ashok Hemanth Upputuri, Anindya Roy Chowdhury, Abhilash Preetam Ambati 
  Abstract: The convergence of wearable technologies and neurodegenerative healthcare accelerated in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the pandemic itself may no longer dominate the innovation narrative, it catalysed significant investments in remote health monitoring, teleneurology, and patient-centric diagnostics particularly for chronic neurological conditions such as Parkinsons disease, Alzheimers disease, and ALS. This paper presents a comprehensive patent landscape analysis conducted on 10 May 2025 using the Derwent Innovation database, which yielded 351 records, narrowed after validation to 45 patents focused on wearable healthcare technologies for neurodegenerative disorders. Using CPC/IPC/DWPI classifications, the analysis reveals that the most prevalent IPC codes are measurement (A61B 5/00), neurostimulation (A61N 1/36), and movement tracking (A61B 5/11), with applications in Alzheimers (A61P 25/28) and telehealth (G16H 50/30, G16H 50/50). The findings provide strategic insights for researchers, technology developers, and IP professionals navigating this rapidly evolving intersection of healthcare and wearable technology.
  Keywords: wearable technology; neurodegenerative disorders; COVID-19; patent landscape.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJIPM.2025.10075674
   
  
• Legal alchemy: transforming stem cell innovations into patents amid constraints  
  by Ali Khalid Qtaishat, Tariq K. Alhasan, Khairuddin Al-Amin 
  Abstract: This study examines the legal framework governing the patentability of biotechnological inventions involving the extraction and modification of animal stem cells for human treatment in Jordan. Despite meeting the criteria of novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability, such inventions face prohibitions under Jordanian law due to ethical, religious, and moral considerations rooted in Islamic principles. The research analyses the interplay between international agreements like TRIPS and national legislation, highlighting how public order and morality exclusions impact patent rights. It concludes that current legal texts prevent granting patents for these technologies, limiting inventors protections to general legal provisions that must align with Islamic law. The study recommends legal reforms to establish clear ethical guidelines, amend patent laws to allow ethically acceptable inventions, and promote responsible innovation while respecting cultural and religious values.
  Keywords: patent law; stem cells; biotechnology; Islamic law; Jordan; ethical considerations.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJIPM.2025.10075675
   
  
• Exploring Ethiopias intellectual property rights system: prospects and grey areas for agro-food chain sector innovations  
  by Tadesse Kenea Amentae, Wei Song 
  Abstract: Ethiopia, one of the most agriculturally viable and biodiverse countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, continues to face food insecurity. Strengthening the intellectual property rights (IPR) regime could play a critical role in fostering innovation and supporting the countrys transition toward sustainable food security. This explorative study assessed Ethiopias IPR frameworks through article-by-article analysis, synthesising local and international legal documents to provide a comprehensive narrative analysis of their potential to drive agricultural innovation. The findings indicate that Ethiopias IPR system, covering copyright, patents, plant breeders rights, and trademarks, contains provisions that may encourage agricultural innovation. While Ethiopias alignment with international IPR treaties reflects its readiness to embrace innovation, gaps remain, including conflicts with certain accords, a lack of protection of geographical indications and traditional knowledge, weak institutional capacity, and limited enforcement. The study underscores the need to implement a geographical indications system and a sui generis framework for traditional knowledge. It also calls for revisions to the Plant Breeders Rights Proclamation to ensure administrative coordination, alongside stronger institutions and empirical research on monopolistic practices, biodiversity loss, and biopiracy to enhance IPRs role in agricultural innovation and food security.
  Keywords: agricultural innovations; Ethiopia; intellectual property rights; IPR;trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights; TRIPS; World Intellectual Property Organization; WIPO; World Trade Organization; WTO.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJIPM.2025.10075676
   
  
• implementations on performance: empirical exploring of Japanese SMEs  
  by Liyue Zhao, Akio Nagahira 
  Abstract: This study surveyed 226 Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to examine the impact of intellectual property (IP) management implementations on SME performance. IP-related implementations in SMEs are divided into four categories: IP strategy, IP administration (IP admin), general management, and IP management. This study uses structural equation modelling (SEM) to analyse the causal relationships among these categories. The findings reveal how IP-related activities affect enterprise performance. This study makes contributions in three areas: content (reclassifying intellectual property-related activities), perspective (focusing on technology-based SMEs), and methodology (employing a mixed research approach that combines structural equation modelling with literature analysis). By revealing how IP-related activities affect enterprise performance, this study provides a reference analytical framework for related research.
  Keywords: intellectual property strategy; intellectual property management; SMEs; structural equation modelling; SEM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJIPM.2025.10075984
   
  
• The urgency of artificial intelligence regulation and its relation to intellectual property regulation in Indonesia  
  by Ahmad M. Ramli, Tasya Safiranita, Sigid Suseno, Ranti Fauza Mayana, Muhammad Rifqi Hariri, Mochammad Aditia Gustawinata, Ramalinggam Rajamanickam 
  Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a pivotal role in modern society, enhancing efficiency and innovation, but also poses legal risks, including output hallucinations, deepfake misuse, and intellectual property (IP) disputes. A key legal debate revolves around whether AI can be a subject of IP rights, such as a patent inventor or copyright creator a notion rejected by courts in several jurisdictions, including Indonesia. This study employs a normative juridical method with a descriptive-analytical approach to examine global AI regulatory frameworks and their applicability to Indonesia. The findings highlight the need for AI regulations emphasising accountability, transparency, and standardisation, alongside public education and cross-sector collaboration. The study recommends that Indonesia accelerate AI-specific legislation, focusing on data quality, human oversight, and ethical governance to support industry growth while ensuring a human-centred approach.
  Keywords: artificial intelligence; intellectual property; regulation; Indonesia.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJIPM.2025.10075985
   
  
• Anti-competition practice with patent pooling agreements in the pharmaceutical sector in India  
  by Ipsita Das, Anas Mhanna, Aranya Nath, Anusuya Ghosh 
  Abstract: This article critically examines the interplay between patent pooling agreements and anti-competitive practices in Indias pharmaceutical sector. While patent pools can promote innovation by reducing transaction costs and facilitating the sharing of technological know-how, they may also be misused to create monopolies, inflate drug prices, and restrict market entry, ultimately affecting access to affordable medicines. The study explores Indias legislative framework, particularly the Competition Act, 2002, and the Patents Act, 1970, analysing how these laws regulate anti-competitive behaviours. The role of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in assessing mergers, licensing arrangements, and patent pooling is discussed, with attention to the regulatory gaps and jurisdictional overlaps. Through doctrinal analysis and comparative insights from global standards (WIPO and WHO), the paper emphasises the need for transparent, balanced regulations that ensure innovation without compromising public health. Recommendations are offered to enhance oversight, promote fair licensing, and safeguard affordable drug access in India.
  Keywords: pharmaceutical industries; Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights; TRIPS; patent pooling; competition laws; anti-competitive agreement; patent act; public health; regulatory framework; drug accessibility; compulsory licensing.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJIPM.2025.10076699
   
  
• Determination of inventorship in law of patents: a comparative study of the legal framework between India and USA  
  by Lakshminarayanan Ramachandran, Avishek Chakraborty 
  Abstract: The Patents Act, 1970 in India has no adequate criteria for determining inventor and joint inventor of a patent. Since India is witnessing an emergence of modern technologies and research collaborations, inadequacy in determining inventorship can lead to future legal, business, economic, and emotional consequences for the stakeholders. This study set the objective of understanding and identifying the criteria for inventorship in India in comparison with the USA. The method of analysis was qualitative and systematic. The study clarifies ambiguous terms, proposes recommendations for adopting principles of conception and reduction to practice, clarifying joint inventorship criteria, reforming Indian patent law to define key terms, and developing a multi-factor test for joint inventorship. These reforms are essential to strengthen Indias patent system, promote innovation, and ensure fair recognition of intellectual contributions in an increasingly collaborative technological landscape.
  Keywords: inventorship; joint inventions; true and first inventor; India patent; India; USA.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJIPM.2025.10076700
   
  
• Intellectual property rights of product design owners on consumer autonomy and environmental sustainability in B2B service organisations  
  by Puranjay Das, Smruti Ranjan Das 
  Abstract: This study presents the analysis of intellectual property rights for product designers, which may be used to advance environmentally friendly product designs while preserving consumer autonomy and environmental sustainability. This study presents whether or not these rights might serve as a motivator for the creation and adoption of environmentally friendly product designs and sustainable practices. According to the findings, consumer autonomy in B2B technologies is positively correlated with intellectual property rights. The t-squared test for Hoteling has a significance level of 0.935. A better knowledge of Industry 5.0 may contribute to sustainable development anticipated from Industry 5.0-driven sustainability development. Functions should be managed to maximise their synergies and contribution to the intended sustainability values. The findings of this research will help not only researchers in understanding the factors and their hierarchical structures provide more sustainable and consumer-centric practices within B2B service organisations.
  Keywords: B2B service organisations; intellectual property rights; IPRs; product design owners; PDOs; interpretive structural modelling; consumer autonomy; environmental sustainability.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJIPM.2026.10076701