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Insights

Legal analysis and practical guidance on cross-border business, disputes, corporate, employment and IP matters across India and the UAE — including the Legal Help Desk, our Q&A column on the problems clients actually meet.

Case Study

Seamless Rectification of UAE and KSA Trademark Ownership for a Cross-Border Brand

Challenge The client approached ATB Legal with a dual-jurisdiction trademark matter involving parallel trademark filings in the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). While the UAE trademark proceeded smoothly, the KSA trademark encountered a critical procedural issue that required immediate legal intervention.  In Saudi Arabia, trademark ownership requirements are strictly enforced. The client’s […]

Hemakshi Prabhu · 29 Dec 2025 · 4 minRead →
Case Study

End-to-End UAE Market Entry and Brand Protection for a North American Multinational

Challenge A multinational enterprise headquartered in Canada, with operational bases in Mexico, the United States, and the Middle East, sought to establish a fully compliant and operational presence in the United Arab Emirates as part of its global expansion strategy.  While the client was commercially sophisticated and experienced in cross-border operations, it faced several challenges […]

Hemakshi Prabhu · 27 Dec 2025 · 4 minRead →
Intellectual Property

UAE Court of Cassation Reinforces Trademark Protection for Online-Only Brands

The rapid growth of digital commerce has challenged traditional notions of trademark use and enforcement, particularly in jurisdictions where physical presence was once viewed as a key indicator of commercial activity. In a significant recent development, the Abu Dhabi Court of Cassation has reaffirmed that online-only brands enjoy full trademark protection in the UAE, even […]

Hemakshi Prabhu · 24 Dec 2025 · 6 minRead →
Case Study

Overcoming A Trademark Refusal For A Global Skincare Brand In The Uae

Challenge  A well-established skincare company headquartered in Russia sought to expand its presence into the United Arab Emirates, one of the region’s fastest growing markets for beauty, wellness, and personal care products. To protect its brand identity and ensure exclusive commercial use, the company filed an application to register its trademark with the UAE Ministry […]

Hemakshi Prabhu · 28 Nov 2025 · 5 minRead →
Case Study

Trademark Enforcement and Multi-Class Filing for a UAE–China Sports Brand

Challenge A prominent UAE/China-based sports company approached us with urgent concerns regarding trademark infringement in the United Arab Emirates. As a well-established brand in the sports and lifestyle sector, the company had been rapidly expanding its product distribution in the region. However, as their visibility grew, they began facing increasing risks of counterfeit goods and […]

Hemakshi Prabhu · 25 Nov 2025 · 5 minRead →
India

Deceptive Similarity Beyond Words: Lessons from the Protifix Trademark Cancellation

In a decision reported on 24 October 2025, the Calcutta High Court held that the mark “PROTIFIX”, used in respect of a protein supplement, is deceptively like the longstanding mark “PROTINEX” and accordingly ordered that the registration for PROTIFIX be rectified, cancelled, removed and expunged from the register of trademarks.   The court emphasised that an […]

Hemakshi Prabhu · 13 Nov 2025 · 6 minRead →
Intellectual Property

UAE Introduces New Trademark Fee Regime: What Businesses and IP Owners Need to Know

The UAE Cabinet, through Cabinet Resolution No. (102) of 2025, has approved a comprehensive update to the Ministry of Economy’s (MoE) fee schedule governing trademark services. This reform modernizes the UAE’s trademark system in line with international standards and reinforces the country’s growing focus on innovation and intellectual property protection.  The updated fees will take […]

Hemakshi Prabhu · 31 Oct 2025 · 6 minRead →
India

The IP of Festivals: How Diwali Crackers, Ganesh Idols, and Holi Colors Are Protected in India

India is a land of festivals, and its rich cultural heritage is expressed through countless products, designs, and innovations that accompany these celebrations. From the sparkling lights of Diwali crackers to intricately crafted Ganesh idols during Ganesh Chaturthi, and the vibrant powders of Holi, these festival-related creations are more than just objects they are intellectual […]

Hemakshi Prabhu · 16 Oct 2025 · 4 minRead →
Intellectual Property

From Yoga to Ayurveda: Can Traditional Knowledge Be Patented in India?

India’s traditional knowledge is vast and deeply rooted in its cultural heritage. From the ancient practices of Ayurveda and Yoga to systems like Unani, Siddha, and Sowa Rigpa, this knowledge reflects centuries of communal experimentation and refinement. The question that often arises is whether such knowledge can be patented in India. The short answer is […]

Hemakshi Prabhu · 26 Sep 2025 · 5 minRead →
Geographical Indication

Digital Authentication of GIs in India: Blockchain, QR Codes, and the Push for Counterfeit-Free Trade

Geographical Indications (GIs) occupy a unique and often underappreciated space in the intellectual property (IP) landscape. Unlike patents that reward inventors or trademarks that distinguish businesses, GIs are inherently collective rights tied to communities, cultures, and geographies. They protect products that draw their uniqueness from a specific region whether it is Darjeeling Tea, Banarasi Sarees, […]

Hemakshi Prabhu · 22 Sep 2025 · 7 minRead →