“Milh Al Kalam” hosted legal researcher and author Maryam Ziyad Al-Dhmeed to discuss the topic of intellectual property and its challenges in the digital age. The conversation was divided into two segments: the first followed a podcast-style dialogue in the living room, while the second continued in the kitchen during the preparation of a light meal.
The episode highlighted the importance of protecting creative work in light of technological advancement, calling for updated legislation, expanded public awareness, and the necessity of respecting the rights of authors and creators.
The episode opened with an introduction outlining the historical development of intellectual property laws, beginning with the first legislation in Venice in 1474, moving through the Paris and Berne Conventions, and addressing contemporary challenges posed by the digital revolution.
Al-Dhmeed emphasized that “piracy has become easier” in an environment where access to information is just a click away, adding that “traditional laws are no longer sufficient to protect intellectual and artistic works.”
She discussed the fundamental difference between literary and artistic intellectual property and industrial property, clarifying that the former does not require legal registration for protection, while the latter—such as patents and trademarks—does require official registration for exclusive legal rights. “The first to register is the first to have the right,” she said, noting that neglecting to register trademarks may result in the loss of rights.
The episode also addressed the inadequacy of current laws in keeping pace with digital transformation, and the need for flexible, dynamic legislation that can accommodate artificial intelligence and the risks of social media—which Al-Dhmeed described as “a double-edged sword,” allowing content to spread rapidly while also facilitating intellectual property violations.
The discussion further covered the international framework for protecting intellectual property, such as the Madrid System for international trademark protection and the role of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which works to update agreements in line with modern challenges.
Al-Dhmeed stressed the importance of legal awareness beginning with school curricula, stating that theft is not only taking something from a store, but also includes stealing an idea or content without permission.
In the kitchen segment, the conversation continued as sautéed vegetables and grilled chicken breasts were prepared—part of the program’s unique identity that blends cultural dialogue with light, easy-to-make recipes.
“Milh Al Kalam” continues to offer episodes that combine thoughtful discussion and culinary simplicity, bringing contemporary issues to the table.
