UAE Unveils Digital Platform for Trademark Trading, Bolstering Intellectual Property Framework Abu Dhabi, UAE – The United Arab Emirates has marked a significant advancement in its intellectual property landscape with the recent launch of ‘TM Market Place’, a pioneering digital platform designed for the buying and selling of registered trademarks. Developed through a collaboration between the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the UAE Government Leaders Programme, this initiative is the first of its kind in the region, aiming to transform how intangible assets are leveraged within the nation’s economy. The new platform positions the UAE as an increasingly attractive hub for global companies and brands, facilitating a secure and transparent environment for trademark transactions. Officials highlighted the platform’s role in supporting the leadership’s vision for a knowledge-based economy and enhancing the competitiveness of the business environment. Empowering Intangible Business Assets The ‘TM Market Place’ is set to empower owners of UAE-registered trademarks by providing a mechanism to list, trade, and ultimately realize the financial value of their intellectual property. This move is expected to convert often underutilized trademarks into active economic assets, thereby contributing to the increased market valuation of companies, particularly those holding significant brand equity. For investors and entrepreneurs, the platform offers streamlined access to established or promising trademarks within the UAE market. This is anticipated to lower barriers to market entry and accelerate business growth by offering ready-made brand assets. Furthermore, the platform is designed to support the expansion of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and family businesses by enabling them to convert trademark value into tangible financial resources. Operational Framework and Regulatory Compliance The Ministry of Economy and Tourism will oversee the ‘TM Market Place’, ensuring strict adherence to national and international intellectual property laws. Transactions on the platform will be limited to national and international trademarks registered within the UAE, operating under the terms of Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 on Trademarks. This regulatory oversight guarantees the protection of trademark owners’ rights, promotes transparency, and enhances security across all transactions. The platform incorporates secure login protocols for user identity verification and facilitates seamless financial transactions through digital payment systems. This robust operational framework underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering a credible and secure digital trading environment for intellectual property. Strategic Impact and Growth Projections Officials anticipate that the ‘TM Market Place’ will drive a substantial increase in trademark activity, targeting a 20 per cent growth in the number of trademarks within its first year of operation. This growth is expected to significantly enhance the market’s appeal to brands and stimulate greater investment in intangible assets. The launch of the platform is part of a broader, concerted national effort to develop a comprehensive intellectual property and trademark ecosystem. Recent initiatives include the issuance of a new Law on Trademarks and its executive regulations, the new Cabinet Resolution on trademark service fees, the development of a registration system for geographical indications, and the UAE’s accession to the Madrid Protocol. These legislative and regulatory advancements have already contributed to remarkable growth in trademark registrations. From January to early November 2025, the UAE registered a total of 34,234 national and international trademarks. During the first half of the current year, 19,957 trademarks were registered, representing a 129 per cent increase compared to the first half of the preceding year. The total number of national and international trademarks registered in 2024 reached 31,537, doubling the 16,712 registrations recorded in 2023. This trajectory indicates a robust and expanding intellectual property environment within the UAE.

UAE Bolsters Anti-Commercial Fraud Framework with New Executive Regulations Abu Dhabi, UAE – The United Arab Emirates has taken significant steps to fortify its legislative and regulatory landscape against commercial fraud with the recent introduction of the Executive Regulations of Federal Law by Decree No. (42) of 2023 concerning Anti-Commercial Fraud. Issued under Cabinet Decision No. (107) of 2026, these regulations aim to enhance market integrity, protect consumer rights, and safeguard the interests of trademark owners within the nation’s dynamic business environment. During a recent media briefing, officials from the Ministry of Economy and Tourism highlighted the comprehensive nature of the new regulations, emphasizing their role in establishing robust mechanisms to address improper commercial practices. The framework is designed to improve compliance among commercial establishments and companies, while also boosting the efficiency of supervisory and enforcement procedures pertaining to commercial fraud and the trade of counterfeit, adulterated, or fake goods. Pillar of Market Integrity and Business Confidence A representative from the Ministry of Economy and Tourism underscored that combating commercial fraud is a fundamental pillar for fostering an efficient and transparent national economy that stimulates investment and innovation. The Executive Regulations mark a new milestone in modernizing market control mechanisms, aligning them with international best practices. These measures are expected to reinforce consumer protection against illicit goods, streamline seizure and inspection processes, and ultimately strengthen confidence in the UAE’s business environment, in line with the nation’s strategic vision. The regulations were developed to adapt to rapid market evolution and contemporary trade patterns, including the challenges posed by e-commerce. They aim to bolster the competitiveness of the internal trade system by enhancing coordination among national authorities and improving law enforcement efficiency. This comprehensive approach is crucial for maintaining market integrity and solidifying the UAE’s position as a leading global hub for commerce. Key Provisions for Enhanced Oversight and Enforcement The new Executive Regulations introduce several critical provisions designed to empower proactive market oversight and streamline enforcement: Inspection and Detection: Clear procedures are outlined for inspections, violation detection, and handling of counterfeit goods. Custody and Disposal: Regulations govern the custody of seized items and their disposal to prevent re-circulation, including structured procedures for destruction. Inter-Agency Coordination: Enhanced coordination and data exchange between the Ministry and competent authorities on enforcement actions are mandated. Administrative Penalties: Provisions for applying administrative penalties are detailed to elevate compliance levels and deter unlawful commercial practices. Governance and Transparency: Principles of governance and transparency are reinforced through documentation and traceability across all stages of dealing with seized items. Immediate Action on Illicit Goods The regulations prescribe specific and immediate procedures for addressing adulterated, spoiled, or counterfeit goods. Suppliers are now required to cease sales and withdraw affected items from markets and warehouses within 24 hours of receiving notification. Furthermore, all points of sale must be notified to withdraw these goods, with public announcements made within 48 hours in both Arabic and English, detailing the goods and associated trademarks. The Ministry or competent authority will take custody of such goods at the violator’s expense, with provisions for immediate withdrawal by authorities if suppliers fail to comply. An integrated framework for the safe disposal and destruction of illicit goods has also been established. This includes provisions for use or recycling where feasible and environmentally beneficial, and clear procedures for destruction to prevent re-use or re-circulation. The Supreme Committee for Combating Commercial Fraud will review applications for use, recycling, or destruction before judicial referral. In specific cases, re-export to the country of origin is permitted within 30 days if the goods pose no health or safety risks and no destruction order has been issued. Destruction operations, based on court judgments or Supreme Committee decisions, must be carried out by a joint team or approved specialized entity within 15 working days. Administrative Penalties and Conciliation Procedures The regulations stipulate administrative fines for traders who are proven to have known, or should have known through their professional expertise, that adulterated, spoiled, or counterfeit goods were harmful. This extends to various categories including pharmaceutical drugs, agricultural produce, organic food products, re-circulation of unfit goods, and engaging in misleading promotion or providing false data. Furthermore, the regulations introduce conciliation procedures, allowing violators to submit a request within 10 working days of notification. The Ministry or competent authority will review the request within 15 working days. Conciliation may be approved if no prior penalties were incurred within the last 12 months, the violation was unintentional, the causes of the violation are rectified, and the conciliation amount is deposited. While conciliation offers an avenue for resolution, it does not absolve the party from civil liability for any damages caused. The Ministry of Economy and Tourism affirmed that the primary objective of these regulations extends beyond mere penalty imposition, aiming instead to cultivate a robust culture of compliance, support legitimate commercial establishments, and elevate consumer protection standards. The Ministry encourages commercial establishments, trading companies, suppliers, and distributors to adhere strictly to the new provisions and urges consumers to report any non-compliant practices, underscoring their crucial role in safeguarding markets and combating commercial fraud.

GCC Nations Reinforce Temporary Trademark Protection for Exhibitors Across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), businesses introducing new brands, products, and services at trade fairs and exhibitions can leverage temporary trademark protection to safeguard their intellectual property. While this international concept is integral to the GCC Trade Mark Law, its practical application and awareness among exhibitors often remain limited. Trade exhibitions serve as crucial launchpads for innovation, yet they also pose a risk for new marks susceptible to copying or pre-emptive registration by third parties. Recognizing this, many jurisdictions worldwide provide interim intellectual property safeguards for displays at official events, a mechanism rooted in international conventions. An Established International Framework The foundation for temporary exhibition protection originates from Article 11 of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. This international treaty mandates member states to offer provisional protection for industrial property showcased at official or officially recognized international exhibitions. The specific procedures, requirements, and duration of such protection are then defined under each country’s national legislation, leading to variations in implementation. It is essential to distinguish temporary protection from exhibition priority. Temporary protection offers immediate, albeit short-term, safeguarding of a trademark during the exhibition itself, often evidenced by a temporary registration or certificate. Exhibition priority, conversely, allows an exhibitor to claim the exhibition date as a priority date when subsequently filing a formal trademark application within a specific period. This priority mechanism is not presently available within the GCC, though evidence of exhibition use can still be relevant in certain legal proceedings. GCC Trade Mark Law Provisions The unified GCC Trade Mark Law explicitly incorporates provisions for temporary protection of trademarks displayed at exhibitions. Article 21 of the Law, complemented by Articles 19 to 22 of its Executive Regulations, outlines the legal framework for obtaining this protection in GCC member states. Generally, applicants are required to: Notify the relevant Trademark Office at least one month prior to the exhibition’s commencement. Submit a prescribed application form along with copies of the trademark. Pay applicable official fees. Ensure the trademark meets standard registrability criteria. Upon successful application, the mark is recorded in a dedicated register, and a temporary protection certificate may be issued. This provisional protection is valid solely for the duration of the exhibition and is not a substitute for a full trademark registration, which is necessary for long-term safeguarding. Implementation Across the GCC United Arab Emirates: The UAE has integrated temporary exhibition protection into its national trademark legislation. Trademark owners planning to exhibit in official or internationally recognized exhibitions within the UAE can apply to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. The application must be submitted at least one month before the exhibition begins. Once accepted, the mark is recorded, and a temporary protection certificate can be issued, remaining valid for the exhibition’s duration. The UAE has established an official fee for this service, and inquiries are currently directed via email to the Trademark Office until a new portal is available. Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia has similarly implemented the GCC provisions through its national laws and Executive Regulations. Businesses can secure temporary protection for trademarks exhibited at official events across the GCC, provided all statutory requirements are fulfilled. The Regulations also stipulate the issuance of a temporary protection certificate once an application is recorded. Qatar and Bahrain: While Qatar and Bahrain operate under the GCC Trade Mark Law, mandating temporary protection as per Article 21 and Executive Regulations 19-22, practical administrative mechanisms appear to be less defined. Neither jurisdiction’s Trademark Office has widely publicized dedicated official fees or introduced specific online filing services for temporary protection applications. Article 22 of the Executive Regulations implies that temporary protection certificates are issued only for exhibitions formally designated by official decision, suggesting a case-by-case approach. Exhibitors planning events in Qatar or Bahrain are therefore advised to seek local legal counsel well in advance to confirm the specific procedures. Strategic Considerations for Exhibitors Businesses aiming to launch new brands at exhibitions within the GCC should adopt a proactive approach: Verify if the exhibition qualifies as an official or officially recognized event. Confirm the availability of temporary protection in the specific jurisdiction. Prepare and submit applications at least one month prior to the exhibition opening, where required. Ensure the trademark is inherently registrable. File a standard trademark application promptly after the exhibition for enduring protection. Despite its underutilization, temporary exhibition protection offers a vital layer of security for businesses unveiling new brands at major trade fairs and industry gatherings across the GCC. Early engagement with these provisions can significantly mitigate the risk of intellectual property infringement before a formal, long-term trademark registration is secured.

UAE Streamlines Document Legalisation, Enhancing Efficiency for Intellectual Property Procedures Dubai, UAE – The United Arab Emirates has introduced a significant procedural update concerning the legalisation of documents by its consulates abroad, a development poised to enhance efficiency and reduce administrative burdens for intellectual property (IP) practitioners and businesses operating within the UAE. The change primarily affects the attestation process for foreign-issued documents destined for use in the UAE. New Electronic Legalisation Format Introduced UAE Consulates outside the country have commenced issuing a new electronic format for legalisation pages. This updated format appears, in certain instances, to incorporate attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) as part of the initial consular legalisation process. This integration marks a notable shift from previous requirements. Simplified Attestation Process Previously, documents legalised by a UAE Consulate abroad necessitated a subsequent attestation by the MOFA within the UAE before they could be formally utilised. With the advent of the new electronic legalisation page, which may now include the MOFA attestation seal, this additional step in the UAE could potentially be circumvented. For documents bearing both the UAE Consulate attestation and the MOFA attestation from abroad, the remaining requirements once in the UAE would be limited to: Translation of the document into Arabic. Attestation of the Arabic translation by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ). This streamlined approach is expected to significantly reduce the overall processing time for essential legal documents. Cost and Time Efficiencies for IP Sector The official fees for the combined legalisation process remain consistent, not exceeding AED 2,300. Crucially, if the MOFA attestation is already included on the consular legalisation page, no additional MOFA fee will be levied within the UAE, potentially leading to cost savings. This procedural enhancement holds particular relevance for the UAE’s robust intellectual property landscape. Legalised documents are fundamental to numerous IP procedures, including, but not limited to: Powers of Attorney for filings, renewals, oppositions, and enforcement actions. Recordals of assignments, mergers, and changes of name. Submission of evidence in opposition, cancellation, and enforcement cases. Management of cross-border IP portfolios and regional filings. The update is anticipated to shorten turnaround times for IP filings and recordals, improve cost management by eliminating redundant attestation steps, and better align with client expectations, particularly where statutory deadlines are critical. Facilitating Business and Regulatory Compliance This development aligns with the UAE’s broader commitment to refining its administrative processes, fostering a more efficient and user-friendly regulatory environment. For the IP sector, it translates directly into greater operational efficiency and smoother execution of client work. It is important to note that this update does not signify any alteration in the Ministry of Economy and Tourism’s requirements regarding Powers of Attorney at various procedural stages. While discussions on this matter are ongoing, no official relaxation of the legalisation requirement has been confirmed to date. The existing provision allowing for the late filing of Powers of Attorney at the time of new application submission remains in place. However, the introduction of this combined legalisation process can aid in obtaining duly legalised Powers more swiftly, offering a practical advantage in managing tight statutory deadlines.

UAE University Secures Patent for Antiviral Electrical Mask Technology ABU DHABI – The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) has successfully registered a patent for an innovative electrical mask designed to neutralize viruses. This intellectual property development highlights advancements in public health technology within the GCC region. The patented device addresses the critical challenge of virus accumulation on protective equipment, which can lead to secondary transmission. A multidisciplinary research team at UAEU developed a system featuring two flexible graphene electrodes connected to a power source. These fractal and interdigitated electrodes are engineered to create equal spacing between their “fingers.” The device is designed for attachment to various protective apparel, including face masks, utilizing a flexible plastic or polymer backing material that conforms to the user’s shape. Upon activation, the electrodes generate an electric field of approximately 20MV/m, causing a current to flow across or through any viruses located within or near the spaces between the electrodes. This process aims to either completely destroy viruses, partially destroy them, or at least incapacitate them to render them harmless. The device’s current rating and application period are adjustable to effectively target different types of viruses. While further development is anticipated before the concept can be fully integrated into personal protective equipment, the successful patent registration underscores the legal recognition of this scientific breakthrough. This patent provides legal protection for the innovative design, safeguarding the intellectual property rights associated with this novel antiviral technology developed in the UAE. The work is expected to stimulate further research into smart solutions for public health challenges, including future pandemics.

UAE Drugmaker Eyes Generic Blockbusters Amid Patent Shifts and Regulatory Focus Dubai, UAE – A leading UAE-based pharmaceutical manufacturer, Globalpharma, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dubai Investments, is strategically preparing to produce generic versions of high-demand blockbuster drugs, including those in the class of Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro. This move anticipates upcoming patent expiries and aligns with evolving regulatory landscapes. The company is actively pursuing international partnerships to develop peptide-based injectables, utilizing off-patent precursor ingredients. These ingredients are no longer under exclusive intellectual property protection, paving the way for generic alternatives of semaglutide and tirzepatide-based therapies. These drugs are well-known for their efficacy in managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. Dr. Basem Al-Barahmeh, General Manager at Globalpharma, confirmed that the company is collaborating with an international firm to source these off-patent precursors and advance the development of peptides. He highlighted that the precursor compounds for these products are already outside patent protection. Strategic Alignment with National Objectives Globalpharma’s initiative to enter the complex injectables market supports the UAE’s broader strategy to enhance local pharmaceutical production capabilities and reduce reliance on imported medicines. The company currently manufactures over 120 pharmaceutical products and exports to more than a dozen countries across the GCC, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia. The drugmaker is focused on establishing the necessary manufacturing, development, and analytical capabilities. Management stated that the company will be poised to produce generic alternatives locally once patent restrictions on the final products ease and all requisite regulatory approvals are secured. This proactive approach positions Globalpharma to capitalize on the increasing demand for these medicines. Global Patent Landscape and Access Discussions While the patent for semaglutide is set to expire in China by 2026, and in major markets such as the United States, Japan, and Europe in the early 2030s, discussions around affordability and earlier generic access are gaining momentum globally. The World Health Organization has recently advocated for improved access to these vital medicines. Information regarding semaglutide patents specifically within the UAE and the broader Gulf region is not publicly available. Partnerships and Regulatory Environment In a broader strategic move, Globalpharma has formalized four international agreements this year aimed at expanding its product pipeline. These include a biosimilar partnership with PharmaPrimes from Jordan and a licensing agreement with Canada’s BioSyent Pharma to introduce an oral iron supplement, FeraMAX, to the UAE market. Further agreements with Egypt’s Nerhadou and Spain’s Aora Health are intended to broaden access to functional supplements, underscoring the company’s diverse approach to market expansion and regulatory navigation for new product introductions. To encourage further localization of pharmaceutical production, industry stakeholders advocate for government-backed, multi-year procurement contracts. Such frameworks would provide manufacturers with greater financial predictability, de-risk investments in advanced production facilities, and foster a more robust domestic pharmaceutical industry.

Automotive Innovation Sparks Intellectual Property Discussion with In-Car Toilet Patent A recent development in the global automotive sector has drawn attention to the evolving landscape of intellectual property, as Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Seres has successfully secured a patent for an “in-car toilet” system. This innovative concept aims to redefine passenger comfort and convenience during extended journeys, particularly in situations where access to conventional restrooms is limited. The patent protection granted to Seres underscores a strategic move in leveraging intellectual property rights for competitive advantage in a rapidly advancing industry. The design detailed in the patent describes a sophisticated folding or hydraulic toilet mechanism integrated directly into the vehicle’s seating structure. This system is envisioned for deployment in upcoming electric vehicle models. Beyond mere functionality, the patent application emphasizes advanced hygiene protocols. These include a vacuum-based waste management system coupled with specialized filters designed to mitigate odours, addressing critical concerns regarding cleanliness and practicality within a vehicle’s confined space. The stated benefits target long-distance travellers, individuals caught in traffic, and those traversing areas lacking adequate rest stops, offering a novel solution to a common inconvenience. The announcement of this patent has generated considerable discussion among automotive enthusiasts and the public. Reactions have been varied, with some observers hailing the innovation as a necessary future amenity that could significantly enhance travel experiences. Conversely, others have articulated concerns regarding the practical implementation, maintenance of hygiene, and potential safety considerations within a vehicle’s interior. As of now, the manufacturer has not disclosed any official timeline for the commercial launch of vehicles incorporating this patented in-car toilet system. The development highlights the increasing importance of robust intellectual property strategies in the automotive industry, where manufacturers are constantly seeking to differentiate their offerings through innovative features protected by patents.