Intellectual property awareness in the Gulf region

This study assesses the level of intellectual property (IP) awareness among top executives in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. It addresses a notable gap in the literature on IP familiarity and its strategic use in emerging markets. We surveyed 526 executives across the six GCC states, with scales developed to measure IP familiarity, perception of IP's importance, and understanding of central IP concepts (trademarks, patents, copyrights). Statistical analysis reveals a significant lack of IP awareness, particularly in fundamental areas like patent protection and territorial limitations, underscoring potential risks to strategic decision-making and growth. The findings demonstrate a strong, positive correlation between participation in IP-related education and familiarity with IP concepts, yet most executives lack practical understanding of IP's strategic value. Tailored IP education—through workshops, university courses, and industry conferences—is recommended to bridge this gap, aligning executive knowledge with international standards and fostering an innovation-driven business environment in the GCC.