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.
Commercial disruption, whether caused by market shifts, supply chain issues, force majeure events, or other unexpected developments, often leads to disputes almost overnight. Contracts may be breached, assets put at risk, and counterparties may act, or fail to act, in ways that cause immediate and sometimes irreparable harm. In such situations, parties are faced with […]
The digital economy has fundamentally reshaped how value is created, scaled, and protected. Today, businesses are increasingly built on intangible assets such as software, algorithms, platforms, and proprietary systems rather than traditional physical infrastructure. In India, this transformation is particularly pronounced. A new generation of creators, influencers, and digital entrepreneurs is moving beyond content-driven models […]
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued Law No. (3) of 2026 on the Quality and Safety of Buildings, introducing a comprehensive legal framework to enhance structural integrity, safety standards, and regulatory oversight across Dubai. The law applies to all buildings within the emirate, including those located in free zones such as the Dubai International Financial Centre, as well […]
Businesses evolve constantly. Market shifts, regulatory developments, expansion strategies, and financial pressures often require companies to rethink their structure and management. In the UAE, restructuring is a common strategic tool used by businesses—from startups to multinational corporations—to realign their operations, improve financial health, and enhance efficiency. Company restructuring in the UAE typically falls into three main […]
Question: Our brand has English + Arabic and other language versions. Should we file both, and how do we handle translation/transliteration risks and look-alike marks? Answer Yes—if you use (or plan to use) both versions publicly, you should usually protect both. The real risk is that someone registers the Arabic (or an Arabic-sounding variant) and then you end up negotiating for your own brand. […]
Dubai has introduced a new regulatory framework requiring tenancy contracts for shared accommodation to be officially registered in a government registry, a move aimed at strengthening legal protection for residents and improving oversight of shared housing arrangements across the emirate. The requirement forms part of Dubai Law No. (4) of 2026 on Shared Accommodation, issued […]
Imagine receiving a call from someone claiming to be a CBI officer. They tell you your Aadhaar number has been used to open a bank account linked to a money laundering network. An arrest warrant has been issued. You have just a few hours to comply — or face public disgrace and criminal prosecution. This is the […]
Question: A partner who is also an investor wants the trademark in their name. How do we structure the ownership/licensing, so we don’t lose control later? Answer This is a classic commercial convenience vs. long-term control dilemma. The safest principle is simple: The party that controls brand strategy and quality should own the trademark. Everyone else should receive rights through a carefully drafted licence — not ownership. If […]
When art is generated by machines, India’s copyright law is left grappling with authorship, ownership, and originality. Can You Copyright AI-Generated Art in India? The Legal Gray Zone Creators Face Artificial intelligence has transformed creative industries at unprecedented speed. Platforms such as image generators and generative design systems now allow individuals to produce complex artworks […]
Question: A competitor/opponent has challenged our mark. What’s the strongest legal and commercial game plan, and what outcomes should we aim for? Answer An opposition is not just a legal argument; it is a strategic inflection point in the life of a brand. Handled well, it strengthens your market position. Handled poorly, it delays expansion, drains budget, and weakens leverage. The strongest […]