IP Development in UAE
Although IP laws in UAE are in place, the government is still dedicated to growth and further development to ensure that more foreign investment is made into the country. In order to achieve its aim, the UAE government has enacted certain changes in the IP laws to make them more effective.
Trade marks and branding:- In interest of smooth and speedy examination and processing of applications pending since 2002, the Trade Marks Registry has been advised by the Trade Marks Committee to clear its backlog. Things have started moving and the Registry has promised to clear all the pending case applications within a year which will enable brand owners to initiate criminal proceedings with the police or regulatory authorities in relation to counterfeit activities that have taken place in the past. A recent new development coming into force is of a unified trade marks law for the six member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council to standardize the approach to trade marks registration dealing with various aspects such as the classification and scope of specifications of goods and services similar to the EU.
Rights enforcement:- The setting up of IPU (Intellectual Property Unit) will help curb the import-export and transshipment of counterfeit goods and products through all the ports into the country. This directs the Customs Office to identify counterfeits, seize such goods and inform the brand owners for appropriate legal action against the counterfeiters.
Franchising:- Developments continue in the field of frenchising with more home-grown franchises being developed and licensed out and extending its limits for franchising in various other industries.
Patents:- In this area, more and more overseas technologies are being brought into the region for developing R&D base with locally developed technology being offered for transfer outside of the UAE in order to increase patent activity.
Copyright:- Individuals are made more and more aware of the importance of both protecting and claiming ownership for their creativity. Positive results have been seen on the enforcement and infringement sides where the regulatory authorities seized the infringing products and referred the matter to the public prosecution in favour of the copyright owners.
Music, Movies and entertainment:- The Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Law of 2002 set out the legal framework for setting up collecting bodies in addition to various projects involving local production companies acting on big Hollywood movies. The issue of collecting royalty was raised in the Broadcasting Summit in Dubai and it was felt that broadcasters and rights users have to be aware of and consider when preparing their annual budgets. The UAE has also witnessed high-profile events on the entertainment and advised the largest profile and highest value production to come to the UAE. There has been an increase in the number of stadiums available besides large scale musical and other events, and the Dubai Sports City initiative will make many more available.
Telecommunications:- Developments in this area is soon taking place with the launch of a new Telecommunications provider.
Investment:- On the investment side, UAE is being promised to be a good place for foreign investment in various areas, specifically in the media and entertainment sectors, as well as for companies reliant on intellectual property.
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