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Insights · Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property

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.

Intellectual Property

UAE Modernises Trademark Laws to Include Sound Marks

The UAE Federal Decree-Law (36) of 2021 defines a trademark, encompassing various forms of visual and auditory identifiers, and explicitly mentions “a distinctive sound”, signalling the UAE’s readiness to modernise its trademarks laws. In the dynamic landscape of global commerce, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands as a beacon of progress, continually refining its legal […]

Madhav Vinod Krishna · 9 Mar 2024 · 3 minRead →
Intellectual Property

Patent Rights Transfer in the UAE: An In-Depth Exploration

Patent transfer operates in two modes: assignment and license. Through assignment, patent ownership undergoes a full transfer; a license grants specific rights to a third party without any ownership change.   Intellectual property rights are highly valued in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The country prioritizes the protection of such rights, especially concerning patent rights transfer. […]

Saniya Mariam Thomas · 19 Feb 2024 · 5 minRead →
Intellectual Property

UAE Patents: Subject Matters and Requirements

In the UAE, patents play a crucial role in driving innovation and protecting the creative rights of inventors. Here’s a simplified breakdown of what’s new and what remains the same. Patents are essential for fostering innovation and safeguarding intellectual property rights. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), specific criteria must be met for an invention […]

Saniya Mariam Thomas · 14 Feb 2024 · 7 minRead →
Intellectual Property

Understanding Patent Infringement: A Simplified Guide

Patent infringement is a criminal offense that invites penalties including fines, imprisonment and confiscation. Fines range from AED 100,000 to AED 1,000,000. Additionally, the court may issue orders for confiscation, destruction, or removal of infringing items and equipment.   The patent system stands as a powerful driver of human progress, empowering inventors with protection and […]

Saniya Mariam Thomas · 28 Jan 2024 · 6 minRead →
Intellectual Property

Patent Specifications in the UAE: Significance of Claims, Drawings, and Descriptions

Patent specifications—meticulously crafted claims, comprehensive drawings, and in-depth descriptions—help inventors successfully communicate the essence of their creations and secure robust patent protection in the complex landscape of international intellectual property.  In the realm of intellectual property protection, patents stand as beacons of innovation, safeguarding inventive ideas from imitation. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the […]

Saniya Mariam Thomas · 18 Jan 2024 · 4 minRead →
Intellectual Property

Vaccine Patents and Public Health: Compulsory Licensing in the UAE

When the urgency of public health collides with proprietary patents, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) navigates this delicate balance with the mechanism of compulsory licensing.  The world of pharmaceuticals, particularly vaccine development, stands as a testament to human ingenuity and scientific progress. However, behind the scenes, this pursuit is marked by immense challenges, including high […]

Saniya Mariam Thomas · 9 Jan 2024 · 4 minRead →
Intellectual Property

Priority Rights in the UAE Patent System: Aligning with the Paris Convention

The Paris Convention, to which the UAE is a signatory, provides a framework for recognizing the priority of an earlier filing in another country—a fundamental feature of international patent law, for the protection of industrial property.   The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has rapidly emerged as a global hub for innovation and technological advancement. In line […]

Saniya Mariam Thomas · 4 Jan 2024 · 5 minRead →
Intellectual Property

UAE Revises Patent Fees and Industrial Property Rights Regulations

  New patent fees tailored specifically for small and medium businesses (SMEs). Reinstates fees for services such as annuities and change of representation. Amended fee structure for enhanced Industrial Property Rights regulation takes effect by January 15, 2024. With the introduction of new patent fees and reinstating certain abolished fees, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) […]

Saniya Mariam Thomas · 1 Dec 2023 · 4 minRead →
Intellectual Property

Patent Filing in the UAE: Key Considerations for Local and Foreign Applicants

Introduction Developing a new product or process can be an exhilarating and demanding journey that requires a combination of creativity, technical skills, and an entrepreneurial spirit. However, beyond the excitement and potential for launching a new company or creating fresh opportunities, it is crucial to protect your innovation. Patent registration plays a pivotal role in […]

Saniya Mariam Thomas · 2 Aug 2023 · 19 minRead →
Intellectual Property

The New Patent Law in the UAE: A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction to the New Patent Law The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recognizes the importance of intellectual property rights in driving innovation and economic development. To align its practices with global standards and address challenges in patent and industrial design procedures, the UAE’s Ministry of Economy has recently implemented a new patent law. The new Federal […]

Saniya Mariam Thomas · 5 Jul 2023 · 8 minRead →