Intellectual Property

Protection and enforcement of trademarks, copyright, patents, designs and confidential business assets across the UAE.

Intellectual property is often central to a business’s identity, market position and long-term value. We advise companies, entrepreneurs, creators and investors on protecting, commercialising and enforcing intellectual property rights in the UAE.

Our work covers trademarks, copyright, patents, industrial designs, confidential information and trade secrets. Support includes registration strategy, portfolio management, licensing, assignments, franchising, technology agreements, due diligence and intellectual property provisions within commercial transactions.

Where infringement or ownership disputes arise, we assist with oppositions, cancellation proceedings, enforcement measures, negotiated settlements and court proceedings. Protection is considered alongside the client’s wider regional and international strategy, as intellectual property rights are territorial and may require coordinated filings across several jurisdictions.

What we do

• Trademark registration and protection — Intellectual Property searches, UAE trademark applications, renewals, assignments and portfolio management. We assess similar marks, the correct owner and the relevant goods and services before filing, so that the registration reflects how the brand is used.
• Copyright and creative works — Protection of software, applications, websites, photographs, videos, written content and advertising material. We document authorship and transfer early, because paying a designer, developer or agency does not always resolve ownership.
• Patents and industrial designs — Protection strategies for inventions, technical improvements, product appearances, utility certificates and industrial designs. We coordinate technical drafting where required and assess whether disclosure, prior use or existing technology may affect protection before costs are committed.
• Trade secrets and confidentiality — Non-disclosure agreements, internal policies and safeguards for formulas, source code, pricing, customer information and business methods. Confidential information remains protectable only while the business treats it as confidential, so access controls matter as much as wording.
• IP licensing and commercial agreements — Assignments, licences, franchise terms, technology agreements and permissions to use brands, content or software. We define territory, duration, fees, quality controls and termination rights, so that limited commercial use does not become permanent ownership.
• Infringement and counterfeiting — Cease-and-desist notices, evidence preservation, administrative complaints, online takedowns and court proceedings concerning copying, counterfeiting or unauthorised use. Our Emirati advocates appear before the UAE courts where required, and we secure the evidence before it disappears.
• IP audits and due diligence — Reviews before investment, acquisition, restructuring or launch. We identify registrations in the wrong name, missing assignments, contractor-owned work and licences that may terminate on a change of control before those issues affect the transaction.

Who we act for

UAE and international corporates, technology companies, manufacturers, retailers, creative agencies, family businesses, start-ups, investors, founders and individual creators.

Common questions

What intellectual property should I protect first?

Usually the asset most closely connected to revenue or competitive advantage. That may be the brand, source code, product design, invention or confidential process. We prioritise protection by commercial risk rather than filing everything.

Do I automatically own work created for my business?

Not always. Ownership depends on what was created, who created it, the relationship between the parties and what the employment, consultancy or supplier agreement says. Written assignments should be completed before work begins.

Does a UAE registration protect me internationally?

No. UAE intellectual property rights are territorial. Protection abroad requires national applications or an appropriate international filing route. We identify the countries that matter before recommending a wider programme.

What should I do if someone copies my intellectual property?

Preserve the evidence before contacting them. Keep dated screenshots, links, invoices, packaging, correspondence and samples. We then assess whether the fastest route is a legal notice, platform complaint, administrative action, customs measure or court proceedings.