The UAE has a trademark and patent registry, run by one of the Economic Ministry. These can be registered by local or foreign firms, on
submission of the appropriate paperwork and prescribed fee, although this is relatively expensive. However,
the process for registering your intellectual property is a lengthy one and it can be some time before it is completed.
Although the region has a bad reputation as a source of counterfeit goods, the scope of legislation to protect intellectual property, which now conforms to international standards, has increased. You will regularly see
clampdowns referred to in the local press, so there has been some movement, and continues to be, especially in Dubai. Another sign that the region has
recognised the importance of intellectual property in the world economy has led to proposals for a GCC patent registry, centred at Riyadh, although this has remained at the planning stage for some time. However, the willingness of the authorities to enforce intellectual property laws remains uncertain, and it can be difficult and time consuming to get the authorities to take action in this regard.
Although expensive, it is worth taking steps to safeguard your intellectual property rights. Agency or licensing agreements often specify that
the agent or licensee is entitled to use the trademark of the company or other organisation that he is representing. It is worth stipulating the extent to which this can be
used, or the duration of the agreement, particularly is this applies to one product or service, or to a limited area encompassing part or all of the Gulf region.
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