Intellectual property rights (IPR) are vital to economic growth in modern societies but societies vary in matters such as culture. Within the constraints of Islamic law, this thesis considers the Omani legal IP framework and how it can be enhanced through a wider cultural perspective. Developing a cultural, religious and internationally compatible approach to IPR may serve as a catalyst for Oman’s future economic development and underpin external relations. The research introduces an Islamic approach to activating Oman’s intellectual property system and includes an empirical study of the current legal framework and present weaknesses in its implementation. This approach takes into account Omani culture and the role played by national IP administrative institutions. The approach advocated in the thesis is intended to raise IP awareness among small and medium-sized enterprises in Oman, considered to be the backbone of the developing national economy as well as providing a roadmap for the effective implementation of an IP system in Oman.

Intellectual property rights (IPR) are vital to economic growth in modern societies but societies vary in matters such as culture. Within the constraints of Islamic law, this thesis considers the Omani legal IP framework and how it can be enhanced through a wider cultural perspective. Developing...