King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), at the forefront of developing Saudi Arabia's "invention wells," began 2009 by increasing its patent portfolio in the field of data security. Building on its recently issued US patent, the university filed a family of US patent applications relating to data communication procedures in the field of Elliptical Curve Cryptography. Dr. Mohammad K. Ibrahim, the inventor of the patented method, and Drs. Lahouari Ghouti and Atef Jawad Al-Najjar lead KFUPM's cryptography research team. These eminent scientists have developed breakthrough cryptographic techniques based on algebraic geometry. The focus of their research is on new cryptosystems with inherent countermeasures, and robust cryptographic protocols for a variety of internet and wireless based applications for content security, multimedia communication, e-commerce and m-commerce. KFUPM is recognized worldwide for its innovative research in this field. In addition to communications and computer engineering, the patent portfolio includes innovations in mechanical, electrical, chemical and civil engineering, petrochemicals and biomedical applications. The patent portfolio owned by the university is expected to grow substantially in years ahead, according to officials. Similar to MIT and the Route 128 Corridor and Stanford University and the Silicon Valley, KFUPM is at the center of the Dhahran Techno-Valley (DTV). Global companies are setting up research facilities in the DTV. KFUPM's Innovation Center provides the roadmap for startup and spin off university-inspired companies to emerge in the DTV and work synergistically with KFUPM and each other. Recognizing KFUPM's role as a leader in Saudi Arabia's growing innovation economy, Patent Attorney Richard Litman of Arlington, Virginia's Litman Law firm which provides legal services to KFUPM in IP arena of data security and communication, said: "The university's highly talented faculty and inspiring leadership makes the Dhahran Techno-Valley an optimal setting for the development and commercialization of new technologies in collaboration with a world class university." He added that "KFUPM's unique model for technological innovation and commercialization is setting a new standard for global universities in the 21st century." __
