Practices
Intellectual Property
Trademark and copyright disputes, infringement of intellectual property rights and unfair competition.
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Scope of practice
Matters we handle
- Trademark disputes
- Copyright
- Infringement of intellectual property rights
- Unfair competition
Every stage of the case
Intellectual Property
Our litigation services follow every stage of the case and the avenues of challenge available (including appeal and cassation) through to enforcement, according to the nature of each matter.
- Appeal
- Cassation
- Enforcement
Legal considerations
Legal considerations
Intellectual property in the UAE is protected under federal laws on trademarks, copyright and industrial property that came into force in January 2022. Registration with the Ministry of Economy is central to enforcing most rights.
Trademarks. Registered trademarks can be enforced through civil claims, criminal complaints and administrative measures. The law also protects non-traditional marks such as sounds and three-dimensional shapes.
Copyright. Copyright protection arises without registration, but registration and dated evidence of creation make enforcement considerably easier. Protection extends to software and smart applications.
Infringement and counterfeits. Infringement can lead to injunctions, seizure of infringing goods, compensation and criminal penalties. Customs authorities can act against counterfeit goods at the border.
Unfair competition. Conduct that misleads customers or exploits another's reputation can be challenged even where no registered right exists, under the general rules on unfair competition and civil liability.
Register key trademarks before launch, keep dated records of creative work and gather evidence of infringement (screenshots, purchases and invoices) before contacting the infringer.
Legal framework
Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 on Trademarks, and Cabinet Decision No. 57 of 2022
Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021 on Copyright and Neighbouring Rights, and Cabinet Decision No. 47 of 2022
Federal Decree-Law No. 11 of 2021 on the Regulation and Protection of Industrial Property Rights
Federal Decree-Law No. 50 of 2022 (Commercial Transactions Law)
The Commercial Transactions Law contains a dedicated section on unfair competition, including the poaching of a competitor's customers through its employees and false statements about goods. Any later amendments to the IP laws should be checked for each matter.
The client's interest comes first
The client's interest is placed ahead of the firm's interest in taking on a case.
The right solution, even outside court
We advise on the most suitable course, even when that means settlement, or taking no legal action at all.
Constant, effective communication
Clients are kept informed of developments in their case and of what happens at each hearing.
Integrity
Integrity sits at the front of our work, alongside professionalism and expertise.
Who handles your matter
One integrated team, working across every matter.
The team works as one integrated unit across all matters, ensuring coordinated legal support and consistent representation at every stage of each matter.
Related practices
All practices- 02Commercial & Corporate DisputesClaims arising from commercial contracts, invoices and purchase orders, disputes between companies, and partner and management disputes.
- 10Criminal & Penal CasesComplaints, defence and representation in violations, misdemeanours and felonies, and the civil claims connected to them.
- 01Civil Claims & Financial ClaimsClaims for debts and sums owed between individuals, contract and obligation disputes, compensation for damages and civil liability.
Let's discussyour matter.
Send your inquiry or request a consultation. A member of the firm's team will contact you to arrange an appointment.