Expanding to the Middle East or North Africa? One legal misstep could cost your entire business.

Watch before making your move,  this could save you millions.

In this must-watch episode of the Conscious Design Podcast, host Ian Peterman sits down with Haidy Hazem, senior legal consultant at One World Intellectual Property (OWIP) — one of the most respected IP law firms in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

If you're a startup founder, tech innovator, or global brand looking to launch in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, or GCC markets, this episode is your IP survival guide.

What You’ll Learn (And Why It Could Save Your Business):

✅ How to avoid the most common IP mistakes in the MENA region

✅ First-to-file trademark rules that can make or break your product launch

✅ Why IP theft, delays, and rejections are so common — and how to avoid them

✅ Cybersquatting, naming conflicts & how to defend your brand online

✅ Smart timing strategies for filing patents and trademarks in the region

✅ BONUS: How China’s Belt & Road Initiative is reshaping IP trends in 2025 and beyond

⚠️ Your innovation is only as strong as your IP protection. Learn what not to do before it’s too late.

Notable Moments:

00:00 – Guest Intro

00:50 – What is One World Intellectual Property?

03:36 – Navigating International IP Laws

05:48 – Filing Strategies & Timelines

09:38 – Regional IP Strengths (GCC, Egypt, UAE)

22:22 – IP & Sustainability

25:11 – Cultural Legal Considerations

30:31 – Final Thoughts & Next Steps

About Haidy Hazem & OWIP

Haidy Hazem is an Associate and Legal Consultant specializing in trademarks, patents, copyrights, and IP enforcement across the MENA region, including Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and North Africa. She assists companies in developing cross-border IP strategies and navigating regional regulations to facilitate secure international expansion.

One World Intellectual Property (OWIP) is a leading intellectual property firm with 40+ years of experience and 19 offices across the Middle East and North Africa. OWIP provides comprehensive IP services, from registration to litigation, serving both local businesses and multinational corporations. Its global partner network ensures seamless worldwide IP protection.

Connect with Haidy & OWIP:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haidyhazem95/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oneworldip/

Website: https://oneworldip.com/

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Ian Peterman, a leading expert in Conscious Design and co-author of the book "Conscious Design," hosts the show and brings you conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers from around the world.