Business and Corporate Advice
Standing counsel on how a business is run: the position on a question, the risk in a decision, and which route to take before costs are committed.
Service 08
Intellectual Property
Trademark filing and portfolio work, copyright, and the agreements that license and protect them.
Dubai is a thriving hub for business, technology, and innovation, attracting entrepreneurs, startups, and established companies from around the world. With this growth, protecting intellectual property (IP) has become a crucial priority. Whether it’s trademarks, patents, copyrights, or trade secrets, safeguarding your intellectual assets ensures your business maintains a competitive edge.
Intellectual property law in the UAE covers creations of the mind, including inventions, designs, brands, literary and artistic works, and trade secrets. Dubai has established strict regulations and procedures to protect IP rights and prevent infringement.
What we do
Intellectual Property Lawyer in Dubai
Trademark registration and protection
Patent filing and enforcement
Copyright registration and licensing
Trade secret protection
IP dispute resolution and litigation
Ensure your IP rights are legally protected
Register trademarks, patents, and copyrights accurately
Prevent unauthorized use or infringement of your IP
Enforce your rights through legal action if necessary
How the work runs
- 01
Consultation
Understanding your business, innovations, and IP requirements
- 02
IP Assessment
Reviewing your intellectual property and potential risks
- 03
Registration & Protection
Filing trademarks, patents, or copyrights as needed
- 04
Enforcement & Dispute Resolution
Representing clients in cases of infringement
- 05
Ongoing Management
Advising on IP portfolio management and licensing
What we will need from you
- A clear representation of the mark, as it will be used
- The list of goods or services to be covered
- Trade licence copy for a corporate applicant
- Passport copy for an individual applicant
- A power of attorney, notarised and legalised where the applicant is outside the UAE
- Priority documents, where an earlier foreign filing is relied on
Questions we are asked
What is intellectual property in Dubai?
Intellectual property includes creations of the mind such as inventions, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets protected under UAE law.
Do I have to file through a registered agent?
An applicant without a domicile in the UAE must file through an agent entered on the Ministry's register of trademark registration agents, under Article 2 of Cabinet Decision No. 57 of 2022. Applicants registered in a UAE free zone are treated as domiciled in the country and may file directly. A registration runs for ten years from the filing date and is renewable.
How long does trademark registration take in the UAE?
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 and its Executive Regulations, the Ministry decides on the application within 90 days of filing, the accepted mark is published in the Ministry's bulletin, and a 30 day opposition period runs before the certificate issues. The total is measured in months rather than weeks, and extends if an objection is raised on examination or a third party opposes.
Can an IP lawyer help with copyright protection for digital content?
Yes, lawyers provide copyright registration, licensing, and enforcement services for software, music, books, and other digital content.
What should I do if someone infringes on my IP rights?
Consult an IP lawyer immediately to assess the situation, send legal notices, and pursue enforcement or litigation if necessary.
How long does trademark registration take in the UAE?
Registration runs through examination, publication and an opposition period before the certificate issues, and the total is measured in months rather than weeks. The timeline extends if an objection is raised on examination or a third party opposes.
Are trademark fees charged per class?
Yes. Official fees are levied per class, which is why classification is a commercial decision and not only a technical one. We advise on the classes the business actually needs before the application is filed.
Do I need to register in Arabic as well as English?
If the mark is used in both scripts, separate protection is generally advisable, because protection follows the sign as registered. We advise on this at the search stage.
General information about this service, not advice on your matter. Legislation is named for orientation. See our terms of use.