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Insights

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.

India

GI Tags in India: Empowering Rural India or Just a Label?

India, with its rich cultural diversity and centuries-old traditions, is a treasure trove of unique regional products, ranging from Banarasi sarees to Darjeeling tea and beyond. To protect and promote this traditional knowledge and craftsmanship, India has embraced the system of Geographical Indications (GI) under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. […]

Hemakshi Prabhu · 2 Jun 2025 · 5 minRead →
Corporate and Commercial

Financial Whistleblowing in the UAE: A New Era of Corporate Accountability

Whistleblowing refers to the act of reporting misconduct, unethical behaviour, or illegal activities within an organization—typically by someone from inside the organization. In the financial context, this could involve exposing fraud, insider trading, misappropriation of funds, or any other breach of legal or regulatory standards.  Whistleblowers play a vital role in upholding transparency, protecting stakeholder […]

Aeron Abraham Thomas · 31 May 2025 · 3 minRead →
Mergers & Acquisition

Exit Strategies for Investors under Shareholders’ Agreements: Key Mechanisms and Legal Considerations

In the lifecycle of any private company, particularly in the early and growth stages, investors eventually seek to realise returns on their investment. A well-drafted Shareholders’ Agreement (SHA) plays a critical role in facilitating this by setting out the terms under which investors can exit the company. From trade sales to IPOs and put options, […]

Vipul Kulshreshtha · 30 May 2025 · 5 minRead →
Intellectual Property

Saudi Trademark Law vs. UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar: A Comparative Analysis

Trademark protection plays a vital role in safeguarding brand identity, promoting fair competition, and preventing consumer confusion. While the GCC countries (Gulf Cooperation Council)—including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar—share common goals for intellectual property (IP) development and have even adopted the GCC Trademark Law framework, each jurisdiction maintains distinct local procedures and nuances. This […]

Hemakshi Prabhu · 28 May 2025 · 5 minRead →
ADGM

Home Buyers in Al Reem Island: Know Your Mortgage Rights under ADGM Law

If you own a property on Al Reem Island that is subject to a mortgage, it is likely that your property now falls within the jurisdiction of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). The ADGM Real Property Regulations 2024 (Regulations) provide a clear legal structure for mortgage arrangements, enforcement, and borrower protections. Understanding your rights […]

Jose Joseph · 24 May 2025 · 7 minRead →
Mainland

Navigating Notarization in the UAE: A Practical Guide for Onshore and Offshore Jurisdictions

Notarization is a crucial step in executing many legal documents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), ensuring authenticity of signatures and compliance with legal formalities. Both individuals and corporate entities frequently require notarized documents from power of attorneys to corporate resolutions and contracts for use in official transactions. However, the procedures and requirements can vary […]

Jerome Jose · 24 May 2025 · 12 minRead →
Real Estate

Why Development Management Agreements (DMA’s) Are Gaining Ground In UAE Property Development

Development Management Agreements (DMAs) are gaining traction in the UAE’s real estate sector as an effective collaboration model between landowners and developers, particularly amid rising land costs and evolving regulatory requirements. A DMA allows the landowner to contribute land while the developer manages the planning, execution, and delivery of the project. This article breaks down […]

Amy Denny · 23 May 2025 · 7 minRead →
Intellectual Property

Trademark Classifications in Saudi Arabia: Choosing the Right Class for Your Business

When registering a trademark in Saudi Arabia, one of the most crucial decisions a business owner or brand representative must make is selecting the correct trademark class. This decision directly affects the scope of protection your trademark will receive and can have long-term legal and commercial consequences if done incorrectly.  In this article, we will […]

Hemakshi Prabhu · 23 May 2025 · 5 minRead →
Mergers & Acquisition

Decoding Shareholders’ Agreements: The Importance of Liquidation Preference and Anti-Dilution Protection

When startups and investors come together to fuel innovation and growth, the shareholders’ agreement (“SHA”) becomes one of the most important legal documents governing their relationship. It is more than just a contractual formality, it is the framework that defines how a company is owned, managed, and funded, and how value is eventually distributed. Among […]

Vipul Kulshreshtha · 22 May 2025 · 4 minRead →
Real Estate

Understanding RERA Laws in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a global hub for real estate investment, attracting a diverse range of stakeholders, including investors, developers, and residents. Central to the integrity and growth of this sector are the regulatory frameworks established by individual emirates. In Dubai, the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) oversees the property market, […]

Aparna T Nambissan · 22 May 2025 · 5 minRead →