UAE Strengthens Anti-Counterfeiting Measures with New Trademark Registration Dubai, UAE – A significant step in intellectual property protection and the ongoing fight against counterfeit goods in the GCC region has been marked by Interpipe, a Ukrainian steel-pipe manufacturer, officially registering its trademark with the UAE Ministry of Economy. This strategic move aims to bolster the company’s efforts to combat the pervasive issue of fake products circulating in the market. The company highlighted that the proliferation of counterfeit goods poses a substantial challenge within the regional market. This registration represents a proactive measure to safeguard its brand integrity and ensure product authenticity in a region critical to its global operations. According to a senior company representative, the widespread use of their products, reportedly in a significant proportion of buildings across the UAE, has regrettably led to the emergence of counterfeit alternatives. This illicit trade not only undermines the company’s market position but also raises serious concerns regarding product quality, as uncertified steel components cannot guarantee the structural integrity, strength, or durability essential for construction projects. The implications of the counterfeit steel pipes industry extend beyond the manufacturing sector, impacting the broader construction business by potentially compromising safety standards and project quality across the region. The company has a considerable footprint in the GCC, with the region accounting for over 16 percent of its global sales and a decade-long history of supplying steel pipes to the UAE market. Its products have been utilised in prominent projects including the King Abdulaziz International Airport and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Saudi Arabia, the Mall of Qatar and the State Audit Bureau Headquarters in Qatar, as well as various residential and commercial developments in the UAE. The trademark registration is viewed as an essential layer of defence against the counterfeit industry, allowing the company greater legal recourse and enforcement capabilities to protect its brand and consumers from substandard imitations. This development underscores the UAE’s commitment to providing a robust legal framework for intellectual property rights and combating economic fraud.

UAE Food and Beverages Company Triumphs in Indian Trademark Infringement Case Dubai, UAE – Al Buheira Lacnor Dairies Co. Limited, a prominent UAE-based food and beverages manufacturer operating under the brand name Lacnor, has successfully concluded a significant trademark dispute in India. A recent decision by the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) in Chennai, India, ruled in favour of the UAE firm, ordering the removal of an identical trademark registration held by an Indian entity. The dispute arose when Lacnor, which markets and exports a wide range of juices, nectars, milk, and dairy products to over 30 countries globally including India, sought to formally secure its trademark rights in the Indian market. During this process, the company discovered that an Indian firm had already obtained registration for a label mark that was identical in name and artistic features to Lacnor’s established brand. The Indian firm contended before the IPAB that discussions regarding potential business opportunities and market entry into India had taken place between the two entities. According to the Indian firm’s submissions, they had registered the impugned trademark with the intention of facilitating the UAE company’s entry and business establishment in India following these discussions. However, Al Buheira Lacnor Dairies Co. Limited countered this assertion, arguing that the Indian firm’s claims were an attempt to circumvent accusations of fraudulently obtaining the trademark registration. The IPAB bench, after reviewing the arguments, found that the Indian firm failed to provide a justifiable explanation for adopting an identical mark. Crucially, the Indian firm could not demonstrate that it had obtained consent from the UAE company to register the trademark. The Board concluded that the trademark had been registered in bad faith, with the express intention of preventing the UAE firm from registering its own established brand, and that the Indian firm itself had no genuine intention to use the mark. This ruling underscores the critical importance of intellectual property protection for GCC businesses expanding their global footprint and serves as a significant legal victory for Al Buheira Lacnor Dairies Co. Limited in safeguarding its brand identity internationally.

GCC Bank Achieves Key Legal Victory in South Africa, Paving Way for African Expansion Abu Dhabi, UAE – First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), a prominent financial institution from the United Arab Emirates, has secured a crucial legal victory in South Africa, eliminating a significant hurdle to its planned expansion into the sub-Saharan African market. On July 7, the South African Supreme Court of Appeal rejected an application lodged by FirstRand, effectively striking down a decade-long trademark dispute. Trademark Dispute Resolved The core of the legal challenge revolved around intellectual property rights. FirstRand, the parent company of First National Bank (FNB), argued that First Abu Dhabi Bank’s name was unduly similar to FNB’s existing family of “First” trademarks and acronyms, potentially causing consumer confusion. FirstRand further contended that FAB lacked a genuine intention to use these marks, given its absence of a local banking license. First Abu Dhabi Bank, however, maintained that the legal protection of its brand identity was an essential prerequisite for establishing its presence and ultimately obtaining a banking license in the country. The Supreme Court of Appeal’s decision to reject FirstRand’s application and remove the case from its roll marks a decisive resolution to this protracted trademark dispute. Regulatory Path Cleared for Market Entry With the resolution of this legal challenge, First Abu Dhabi Bank is now positioned to formally apply for a full banking license in South Africa. This development is critical for the UAE-based lender’s strategic ambitions, which include establishing Johannesburg as a key hub for its operations across sub-Saharan Africa and the 16-member Southern African Development Community. A successful licensing process would allow FAB to significantly enhance its role in facilitating capital and trade flows between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The move aligns with a broader trend of Gulf lenders identifying Africa as a high-yield growth frontier, in contrast to some European banks that have reduced their exposure to the continent. Broader Commercial and Strategic Implications While the South African Reserve Bank will undertake a comprehensive vetting process for FAB’s proposed directors and operational infrastructure before granting a license, the court’s decision represents a major step forward. The entry of a major GCC bank like FAB into the South African market is expected to introduce new dynamics in areas such as sovereign debt, corporate finance, and Gulf-Africa trade. FAB’s substantial balance sheet and strong ties to Gulf investors could offer competitive advantages, potentially accelerating a shift in financing sources for Africa’s development.

Saudi Arabia Joins Madrid System, Bolstering GCC Trademark Protection Landscape Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia has officially acceded to the Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks, marking a significant expansion in the system’s global coverage to 133 jurisdictions. This move underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to streamlining international trademark protection and facilitating cross-border business operations. The provisions of the Madrid Protocol, the governing treaty of the Madrid System, will become effective for Saudi Arabia on October 8, 2026. Enhanced Regional Access This development significantly impacts the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. With Saudi Arabia’s accession, five out of the six GCC member states—Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—will now have access to the Madrid System for securing cross-border protection of their brands. This integration simplifies the process for businesses looking to protect their intellectual property across key markets in the Middle East and beyond. Key Implications for Brand Owners The entry into force of the Madrid Protocol for Saudi Arabia will bring several critical changes for brand owners, effective from October 8, 2026: For Brand Owners in Saudi Arabia: Saudi-based brand owners will gain the ability to seek trademark protection across all Madrid System member countries through a single international application process. This streamlines filing, reduces administrative burden, and potentially lowers costs by consolidating applications, fees, and currency requirements. For International Trademark Holders: Trademark holders in existing Madrid System member states will now be able to designate Saudi Arabia in their international applications, opening up a crucial new market for brand protection and enforcement. For Existing Registrations: Owners of existing international trademark registrations under the Madrid System will have the option to expand the geographical scope of their protection to include Saudi Arabia, further safeguarding their brands in this growing economy. Benefits of the Madrid System The Madrid System is widely recognised for offering a streamlined and cost-efficient mechanism for registering and managing trademarks internationally. It allows brand owners to secure and maintain protection for their marks in multiple countries through a single application, a single language, and a single set of fees. This simplifies the complex process of global trademark portfolio management, offering a practical solution for businesses operating across borders. Further details, including information on time limits for provisional refusals and fees for designating Saudi Arabia, are expected to be published. Information regarding Saudi Arabia’s specific trademark laws, practices, and procedures will also be integrated into the Madrid System’s member profiles in due course.

Abu Dhabi Court Upholds Landmark Trademark Infringement Ruling Abu Dhabi’s Commercial Court has issued a definitive ruling, affirmed by the Court of Cassation, mandating the immediate cessation of unauthorized use of a prominent global fashion and e-commerce trademark by a local retail outlet. This decision underscores the robust intellectual property protection framework within the UAE. The case originated when the owner of the internationally recognized trademark initiated legal proceedings against a local store. The store was found to be extensively using the brand’s name and logo across its product range, storefront, and digital platforms. This unauthorized usage had the effect of misleading consumers into believing the local store was affiliated with the original company, which operates exclusively online. Following comprehensive hearings across various judicial tiers, the court decisively ruled in favor of the trademark owner. The judgment explicitly orders the immediate termination of all infringing activities. Key directives include the removal of the illicit trade name from official records and all commercial registries throughout the UAE, an outright ban on its use on social media or within physical stores, and the dismantling of all related signage and promotional materials. The ruling successfully navigated the appeal process and was ultimately upheld by the Court of Cassation, rendering it final and enforceable nationwide. Legal observers view this judicial outcome as a significant reinforcement of investor confidence and a clear signal of the UAE’s firm stance against intellectual property rights infringements.

Navigating Patent Costs and Regulatory Framework in the UAE: A Comprehensive Guide for 2026 Dubai, UAE – Understanding the financial commitments and regulatory procedures for securing and maintaining patent protection in the United Arab Emirates is a crucial first step for innovators, startups, and established businesses alike. The total expenditure for a patent encompasses a spectrum of official government fees, examination and search charges, mandatory certified Arabic translations, professional agent fees, and recurring annual renewal annuities throughout the patent’s 20-year lifespan. This detailed overview provides a 2026 breakdown to assist in accurate budgeting for national filings, PCT national-phase entry, and long-term intellectual property portfolio management. Official Fee Structure and 2024 Reforms The UAE Ministry of Economy (MoET), the central authority for intellectual property administration, publishes the official fee schedule for patent applications. Additionally, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development IP Unit (ADDED IPU) offers specific guidance and a fee calculator for applicants processing through its Abu Dhabi portal. A key distinction in the official fee structure is the differing rates for natural persons (individual inventors) and legal persons (companies), with individuals generally benefiting from reduced filing fees. Notable official charges include: Patent application filing fee: AED 1,000 for individuals, AED 2,000 for companies. Formality examination fee: AED 400 for all applicants, introduced as part of the 2024 fee reforms. Request for search & first examination: A combined charge of AED 7,000, covering both the prior-art search report and the initial substantive examination. Grant and publication fee: Varies and is payable upon claims allowance, prior to certificate issuance. First-year annuity (maintenance): Varies and is due from the date of grant. The introduction of the AED 400 formality fee in 2024 reflects ongoing updates to the regulatory framework, affecting all applicants irrespective of their entity type during the initial completeness review. Applicants utilizing the ADDED IPU portal should consult their specific fee calculator, as processing timelines and service charge amounts may differ from the federal MoET schedule. Examination, Search, and Translation Expenses Beyond the primary filing fees, several operational costs require careful consideration: Official Search and Examination: The MoET levies a combined AED 7,000 for the request for search and first examination. Subsequent responses to office actions typically do not incur additional official fees, though amendments or new claims might trigger supplementary charges. Claim Surcharges: For applications with a substantial number of claims, particularly those exceeding standard thresholds or entering via PCT national phase with over 20 claims, additional per-claim surcharges may apply. Applicants should confirm precise surcharge levels directly with the MoET. Arabic Translation Requirements: All patent specifications, claims, and abstracts must be provided in certified Arabic for official processing and publication. Translation costs vary significantly based on the length and technical complexity of the document, typically ranging from AED 3,000–5,000 for short specifications (up to 15 pages) to AED 6,000–12,000 for longer ones (30+ pages), based on market estimates for professional services. Professional Services and Comprehensive Budgeting Official fees represent only a segment of the total cost. Professional agent fees for drafting, filing, prosecution, and translation services often match or exceed government charges, especially for intricate filings. Typical first-year budgets, combining official fees, agent services, and translation, can range from AED 13,400–16,400 for an individual inventor with a national filing to AED 22,000–34,000 for a company entering via PCT national phase. Professional agents commonly offer fixed-fee arrangements for straightforward cases or hourly billing for more complex prosecution or opposition proceedings. When seeking quotes, it is advisable to confirm whether the quoted fee includes translation, government charges, and annuity management. International Filing Routes: PCT and Paris Convention Multinational applicants frequently enter the UAE market via the PCT national phase. The standard deadline for national phase entry in the UAE is 31 months from the international filing date or the earliest priority date. Missing this deadline can result in the forfeiture of national-phase entry rights, with very limited options for restoration. For PCT national-phase entry, applicants must budget for national-phase entry fees, examination fees, and significant costs associated with translating priority documents into certified Arabic. Non-resident applicants are also required to appoint a registered UAE patent agent. Alternatively, the Paris Convention route allows applicants to file a national application in the UAE within 12 months of their first filing in another priority country, also incurring national filing fees and the costs of obtaining and translating priority documents. Annual Maintenance and Strategic Annuity Management To maintain a patent in force for its 20-year term, annual annuity fees are payable. These fees generally escalate in later years. Failure to pay within the specified period, including any grace period with surcharge, leads to the lapse of the patent. Illustrative annual annuity costs typically range from AED 500–800 in the initial years (1-3) and can climb to AED 3,800–5,500 in later years (16-20). Strategic management of annuities is vital for large portfolios, involving annual reviews of commercial relevance, centralized docketing for reminders, and consideration of agent-managed renewal packages. Filing Procedures and Compliance: Avoiding Common Pitfalls Both the MoET and ADDED portals facilitate online patent applications. Key documents required include the completed application form, full specification (description, claims, abstract), drawings, certified Arabic translation, a notarized and legalised Power of Attorney (PoA), priority documents (if applicable), assignment deed (if applicant differs from inventor), and proof of fee payment. A crucial compliance step is the Power of Attorney, which must be executed by the applicant, notarised in the country of execution, legalised or apostilled for UAE use, and submitted in Arabic or with a certified Arabic translation. This process can take several weeks, necessitating early initiation. Common errors that lead to delays or rejections include incomplete Arabic translations, improperly legalised PoAs, missed priority deadlines (12 months for Paris Convention, 31 months for PCT national phase), incorrect applicant entity classification, and overlooking the separate AED 400 formality fee introduced in 2024. Broader IP Protection in the UAE While invention patents offer up to 20 years of protection for novel, inventive, and industrially applicable inventions, the UAE’s intellectual property

UAE Firm Secures Landmark 3D Printing Patent, Signifying National Innovation in Construction Dubai, UAE – Immensa Technology Labs, a prominent additive manufacturing firm, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first company in the United Arab Emirates to file a patent related to 3D printing technology. This development marks a notable advancement in the region’s intellectual property landscape and its commitment to fostering innovation in the construction sector. The patent protects a proprietary method for producing moulds designed for concrete and various other aggregates through the application of 3D printing. This innovation is anticipated to significantly influence urban design and construction practices within the GCC. Advancing Construction Methodology Developed by Edem Dugenboo and Elias El Dik of Immensa, the patented process integrates diverse 3D printing technologies to fabricate moulds. These moulds are specifically engineered for fit-out and construction companies, enabling the casting of concrete, cement, and gypsum materials into intricate shapes and forms. A key advantage highlighted is the accelerated production turnaround compared to conventional manufacturing techniques. The firm emphasizes that the new mould design offers enhanced cost-efficiency relative to traditional alternatives and is constructed from environmentally friendly materials, with the added benefit of reusability. Alignment with National Strategic Vision The CEO of Immensa Technology Labs, Fahmi Al Shawwa, underscored the importance of this achievement, stating the firm’s pride in representing the UAE through this pioneering patent submission. He noted that the patented process aligns directly with strategic national initiatives, including the Dubai 3D Printing Strategy, which aims to position Dubai as a global hub for 3D printing technology. This reinforces the broader governmental push towards technological advancement and economic diversification. Further elaborating on the innovation, Dugenboo explained that the process for this mould emerged from practical challenges encountered during concrete casting projects. The team leveraged a unique combination of different elements and individual processes to formulate an effective solution utilizing 3D printers. Looking ahead, El Dik affirmed the company’s commitment to ongoing investment in research and development to uncover further applications for 3D printing within the construction industry. He highlighted that the technology’s potential is still emerging, suggesting a future with numerous transformative uses in the sector.

Regulatory Green Light for New Brokerage Infrastructure in ADGM Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) – A financial services firm has secured in-principle approval (IPA) from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of ADGM to establish and expand its brokerage infrastructure within the UAE. This significant regulatory step paves the way for the entity to strengthen its support for financial institutions and fintech companies across the region. The IPA represents a crucial milestone in establishing a regulated presence within the UAE. Subject to obtaining a final Financial Services Permission, the firm intends to offer a range of brokerage services, including the custody of virtual assets, aligning with the scope ultimately approved by the FSRA. This development aims to bring advanced, API-driven brokerage infrastructure closer to partners throughout the Middle East. Commentators noted the UAE’s burgeoning role as a vital nexus connecting regional and global capital markets, underpinned by a robust ecosystem for financial services and technology. Establishing a regulated operational base in Abu Dhabi is seen as a strategic move to foster closer collaborations with regional institutions and integrate them with established global brokerage infrastructure. This initiative underscores a commitment to long-term investment and growth within the Middle East’s financial landscape. The firm has already cultivated relationships with various financial institutions and fintech platforms across the Middle East, spanning digital investing, savings, and brokerage services. These existing ties, combined with a dedicated regional team and global infrastructure, provide a solid foundation for continued expansion and long-term strategic objectives in the region.

UAE and Korea Deepen Intellectual Property Collaboration with Focus on AI Integration Dubai, UAE – The United Arab Emirates and South Korea are set to significantly expand their cooperation in the realm of intellectual property (IP), with a particular emphasis on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into patent administration. This development follows a high-level meeting between officials from the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism’s intellectual property sector and the Korea Institute of Intellectual Property Promotion (KIPRO). The discussions, which took place on the 5th, underscored a mutual commitment to advancing technology-intensive areas within IP, notably through the potential adoption of an AI-based patent evaluation system in the UAE. Strategic Partnership in Patent Examination For over a decade, the two nations have maintained a robust partnership in patent examination. Since 2014, KIPRO has supported the examination of patents filed in the UAE through a dedicated agency project. This collaboration has proven financially successful, with cumulative exports of patent examination support projected to reach $23 million by 2025. In a move to solidify the institutional framework for this advanced cooperation, a patent application for an “AI-based patent evaluation system” was recently filed in the UAE, paving the way for its potential local implementation and export. Advancing Patent Administration Through AI The recent meeting progressed beyond conventional patent examination support, concentrating on achieving qualitative advancements in patent administration through the application of AI technology. Key areas of discussion included: Reviewing the achievements and ongoing progress of the Korea-UAE patent examination cooperation. Exploring strategies to enhance the efficiency of patent administration via the introduction of an AI-based evaluation system. Identifying further avenues to strengthen the strategic intellectual property partnership between the two countries. The UAE expressed substantial interest in KIPRO’s expertise and systems related to AI-based patent evaluation, recognizing its potential to accelerate the digital transformation of the Emirates’ intellectual property infrastructure. Long-Term Vision for IP Development Officials from KIPRO highlighted that this latest meeting marks a significant milestone, evolving the 12-year collaborative trust into an advanced stage of partnership, moving beyond mere task outsourcing. They anticipate that cooperation on the AI-based patent evaluation system will not only enable the export of a high-value intellectual property system but also empower the UAE to establish an advanced patent administration framework. This strategic alliance is expected to yield substantial benefits for both nations, aligning with broader governmental initiatives to diversify exports and strengthen engagements with the Middle East.

UAE Ministry of Economy Grants Patent for Innovative COVID-19 Stem Cell Therapy Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Ministry of Economy in the United Arab Emirates has issued a patent for a groundbreaking stem cell treatment aimed at combating COVID-19 infections. This legal recognition underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering innovation in medical science and securing intellectual property rights for significant local developments. The patented treatment, developed by a team of medical professionals and researchers at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center (ADSCC), utilizes an innovative method for collecting and preparing stem cells. The core of the patent covers this unique approach to extracting stem cells from a patient’s own blood, activating them, and subsequently reintroducing them. Reported clinical applications within the UAE have seen the treatment administered to 73 COVID-19 patients, all of whom have reportedly recovered from the virus. The therapy involves the nebulization of the activated stem cells into a fine mist, which patients then inhale into their lungs. The therapeutic mechanism is hypothesized to involve the regeneration of lung cells and the modulation of the immune response, aiming to prevent the overreaction that can cause damage to healthy cells during a COVID-19 infection. The treatment has successfully completed its initial phase of clinical trials, demonstrating its safety. No immediate adverse effects were reported by patients who received the treatment, nor were any interactions found with established conventional treatment protocols for COVID-19. Trials to establish the efficacy of the treatment are currently underway and are expected to conclude in the coming weeks. It is important to note that this stem cell therapy is intended to be used as an adjunct to existing medical interventions, rather than as a replacement for conventional treatment protocols. The granting of this patent represents a significant step in the UAE’s efforts to contribute to the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, reinforcing the importance of intellectual property protection in advancing public health solutions. The Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center continues to be a hub for cell therapy, regenerative medicine, and advanced stem cell research.