Updated as of: 17 November 2025 The UAE’s trademark reforms promise rapid filings and tougher enforcement, meaning legal and compliance teams must adapt quickly to accelerated examination cycles and more formalised dispute procedures. Filed under Topics Organisations

Berk Kutay Gokmen 18 November 2025•Update: 18 November 2025 ISTANBUL South Korea and the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday signed several agreements to enhance bilateral ties in various sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), aerospace, and nuclear energy. The agreements were inked as UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hosted his South Korean counterpart, Lee Jae Myung, in Abu Dhabi, Seoul’s presidential office said. The two nations signed seven memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to expand collaboration in several sectors, including AI, aerospace and nuclear energy, economy, and intellectual property rights, as reported by Yonhap News. During the meeting between the two heads of state, Lee and Mohammed discussed ways to deepen economic cooperation in the defense, advanced technology, and energy sectors. Lee described the UAE as a “brotherly nation” and pledged to build a stronger relationship aligned with the UAE’s long-term development roadmap. South Korea is “ready for comprehensive cooperation to build the centennial alliance with the UAE,” Lee said. “There are many important areas, including security, the defense industry, AI, nuclear energy, health care, and medical services. I hope the two countries make bold steps toward shared prosperity.” During the talks, the two nations also discussed ways to expand cooperation in the defense industry, including the joint development, production, and export of weapons systems to third countries. In the energy sector, the two sides discussed expanding the crude oil stockpile held in South Korea by the UAE’s state-run energy giant, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, from the current 4 million barrels to 10 million barrels or more. Last year, the UAE and South Korea signed a free trade deal, which made the UAE the first Middle Eastern nation to ink such a deal with Seoul.

WASHINGTON – The United States on Feb 24 issued Russia and cyber-related sanctions against four people and three entities, including some based in Russia and the United Arab Emirates, according to the Treasury Department website. The entities and people were targeted “for their acquisition and distribution of cybertools harmful to US national security”, the Treasury Department said in a statement. In a corresponding move, the US Department of State said one of the individuals and two of the entities hit with sanctions were also designated under the “Protecting American Intellectual Property Act in connection with theft of trade secrets from US persons”. The sanctions are related to a US investigation into a former executive of a government contractor for selling trade secrets to a buyer in Russia – one of the entities hit with sanctions – for US$1.3 million (S$1.6 million). REUTERS

The adoption of AI across the globe is proceeding at a rapid pace. Disruption in many sectors has been attributed to the use of AI models in various industries. This has led many jurisdictions to play catch-up to both regulate and foster AI. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has been quite proactive in this regard. The UAE, at the forefront, has implemented national policies regarding the adoption of AI across government services. In recent years, the country has updated legislation, procedures, and policies, including new intellectual property (IP) legislation, data privacy regulations, and competition laws, among other changes. However, no GCC country has yet adopted a full national legislation. AI is regulated with a combination of different federal, sectoral, and existing laws, although regulations are being worked on. These are supplemented by the adoption of policies and principles. The UAE is divided into seven emirates. Federal law applies to each one, while each emirate has also promulgated its own laws. In addition, the UAE allows the operation of several free zones, which are economic areas distinct from onshore areas that have regulatory schemes, rules, and exemptions for conducting business related to specific sectors. Many free zones – such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the Abu Dhabi Global Market, and Dubai Silicon Oasis – offer licences geared towards AI companies that offer tax benefits, visas, etc. For example, DIFC has an AI-specific licence aimed towards entrepreneurs in that space (see “UAE launches ground-breaking artificial intelligence and coding license”). Key legislative and policy pillars The UAE updated several components of its IP legislation in 2021, including its Patent Law, Trademark Law, and Copyright Law. There were also updates to the Data Protection Law. None of the laws specify or have references to AI (it is worth noting, however, that the DIFC amended its Data Protection Law to incorporate the processing of data via autonomous and semi-autonomous systems, including AI). The UAE has also adopted its National AI Strategy 2031 as an integral part of its policy on AI since 2017. The main objective of the strategy is to facilitate the integration of AI and related technologies across different sectors, with the long-term aim to position the UAE as a forerunner in AI innovation and investments. Furthermore, the UAE established the UAE Council for Artificial Intelligence, which is tasked with the supervision and providing guidance regarding the integration of AI in government entities. Entities are also being set up within each emirate. For instance, the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council has been formed to support Abu Dhabi’s vision to be a leader in research and investment related to AI. Similarly, Dubai set up the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence and the Dubai Future Council on Artificial Intelligence. In the absence of an express federal legislation, existing laws may be used to fill in the gap. Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021 on Copyright and Neighboring Rights, along with its implementing regulation (Cabinet Resolution No. 47 of 2022), outlines the rights of copyright holders and their licensing, which governs the use of IP by third parties, particularly in training data. The UAE does not recognise “fair use” as understood in the US but has concepts of fair dealing; i.e., the use of copyright content for educational purposes. Federal Decree by Law No. 45 of 2021 Concerning the Protection of Personal Data applies to the electronic processing of data related to residents in the UAE. It requires the lawful processing of personal data, consent focused data collection, and requirements for having filters for output deemed unlawful. Licensing innovation and future technologies Federal Decree Law No. 25 of 2018 on the Projects of Future Nature gives the federal government the authority to grant licences for “implementation of any innovative project based on modern technologies of a future character or using artificial intelligence”. Prohibitions that would normally apply in obtaining a licence would be exempt for these companies. However, the law does not define AI or innovative project, so the law is applied on a case-by-case basis, with the onus on the entity seeking exemptions to show innovation. On top of these, developers and users of AI systems need to pay attention to the UAE Civil Code, the Consumer Protection Code, and the Cybercrimes Law as the laws could make them liable for negligence, defectiveness, and liability for products and/or services. Sector-specific regulation and financial services Industry-specific legislation or guidelines also need review; however, some of these matters are also governed by each emirate in addition to federal law. For example, Dubai’s Autonomous Vehicles Regulation (Law No. 9 of 2023) applies throughout the emirate and even in free zones. It prohibits any autonomous vehicle from operating on the roads in Dubai without the necessary licence from the authorities. The Roads and Transport Authority sets out the compliance that vehicles must adhere to. Similarly, the Central Bank of the UAE has issued the “Guidelines for Financial Institutions Adopting Enabling Technologies”, which covers AI, analytics, blockchain, verification through biometrics, etc. Under the current standards of IP law, an AI cannot own or register IP under its own name. The UAE Law on Industrial Property states (and as per the practice) only a natural person can be named an inventor. Similarly, only a natural person can be the owner of a trademark or have copyright assigned to them (including a company). There are no restrictions on using AI to create new trademarks (that fall under the definition of trademarks) or works, but they are subject to the IP laws if they are created using infringing material. Similarly, data and content obtained from data scraping is subject to the terms and conditions of that website; however, there are no known cases of enforcement of a website’s terms and conditions. Competition law and AI-driven markets Under Article 3 of Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2023 Regarding Regulating Competition, the Competition Law applies to all undertakings with regard to the exploitation of IP rights inside and outside the UAE.

Initiative responds to rising demand from AI, Web3, fintech and creative businesses in DMCC free zone  Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) announced plans to launch a structured Intellectual Property (IP) support framework for its member companies. Anchored within DMCC’s expanding FinX ecosystem—which launched in late 2025 to bridge institutional capital and fintech—the initiative will provide members with streamlined access to patent, trademark, and copyright support, as well as broader IP advisory services through curated partnerships with leading consultancies and law firms. Shift to intangible assets The move reflects an accelerating global shift toward intangible capital. By the end of 2025, intangible assets constituted approximately 92 percent of S&P 500 market capitalization, highlighting a structural transformation in how enterprises create and scale value. As DMCC attracts more AI developers, Web3 innovators, and global trading companies, the demand for structured IP protection has grown significantly. Within the proposed framework, DMCC serves as a primary ecosystem facilitator, bridging the gap between its 26,000+ member companies and expert specialists across five critical domains. The initiative simplifies administrative hurdles through Filing Coordination for patents and trademarks, while providing dedicated Copyright Support for creators of digital and creative works. To ensure long-term sustainability, the framework offers Portfolio Governance and strategic Commercialization advisory to unlock revenue-generating pathways. Furthermore, the inclusion of IP Valuation services allows firms to accurately quantify their intellectual worth, a vital step for attracting investors and successfully raising capital. Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, emphasized that the global economy now values ideas and algorithms as much as physical assets. By providing structured IP support, DMCC aims to strengthen enterprise valuations and boost investor confidence. He described the initiative as positioning DMCC as a “sovereign sandbox for intellectual capital,” evolving the district beyond traditional trade and commodities. Read more: Dubai reveals record-breaking 1,971 kg silver bar celebrating UAE’s founding ahead of DMCC tokenization Alignment with UAE national strategy Driven by a projected global market value of $14.3 billion by 2035, the UAE is aggressively positioning itself as a central hub for intellectual property through 11 strategic national initiatives. Central to this push is the One-Day Trademark service, which offers expedited registration within a single business day, alongside the ambitious Patent Hive program, which aims to secure 6,000 new patent registrations by 2026. Complementing these administrative efficiencies is the Innovation Hub, an online incubator designed to provide creators with the technical guidance and support necessary to thrive in an increasingly competitive IP landscape.  Moreover, DMCC’s framework complements these efforts, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global hub for the new economy. Further details on operational rollout and partner appointments are expected in the coming months.

Issued claims further strengthen global intellectual property portfolio supporting immune cell modulation platform and expand strategic presence in a high-growth international market LA JOLLA, CA, April 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GRI Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: GRI) (“GRI Bio” or the “Company”), a biotechnology company advancing an innovative pipeline of Natural Killer T (“NKT”) cell modulators for the treatment of inflammatory, fibrotic and autoimmune diseases, today announced that it has received a Notice of Allowance from the United Arab Emirates Patent Office (UAE) for UAE Patent No. P6000687/2017, titled “Prevention and Treatment of Inflammatory Conditions.” The allowed claims cover novel type 2 diverse NKT (“dNKT”) cell agonists and related methods and compositions for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory conditions, further expanding GRI Bio’s intellectual property protection for its proprietary immunomodulatory platform. These claims support therapeutic approaches targeting immune pathways implicated in inflammatory, fibrotic and autoimmune diseases and complement the Company’s existing patent portfolio. This allowance further reinforces the Company’s disciplined approach to building a global intellectual property portfolio designed to support long-term exclusivity and strategic optionality. The UAE represents a strategically significant and rapidly expanding healthcare market, serving as a gateway to the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. By securing patent protection in this region, GRI Bio strengthens its global intellectual property position for its dNKT cell agonist program and enhances its ability to support future regional partnerships, licensing opportunities and long-term commercialization strategies. “This Notice of Allowance reflects the continued execution of our disciplined global IP strategy,” said Marc Hertz, Chief Executive Officer of GRI Bio. “Securing protection in key international markets strengthens our platform and supports the advancement of our pipeline while creating additional opportunities for long-term value for shareholders.” The allowed application supports GRI Bio’s broader platform focused on modulating NKT cell biology, an emerging therapeutic approach designed to regulate immune responses across a range of diseases with significant unmet need. This patent further reinforces the strength and durability of the Company’s growing global intellectual property portfolio. GRI Bio remains focused on advancing its lead program, GRI-0621, while leveraging its growing chemistry platform and library of over 500 proprietary compounds to support future pipeline expansion and potential strategic partnerships. About GRI Bio, Inc. GRI Bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on fundamentally changing the way inflammatory, fibrotic and autoimmune diseases are treated. GRI Bio’s therapies are designed to target the activity of Natural Killer T (“NKT”) cells, which are key regulators earlier in the inflammatory cascade, to interrupt disease progression and restore the immune system to homeostasis. NKT cells are innate-like T cells that share properties of both NK and T cells and are a functional link between the innate and adaptive immune responses. Type I invariant NKT (“iNKT”) cells play a critical role in propagating the injury, inflammatory response, and fibrosis observed in inflammatory and fibrotic indications. GRI Bio’s lead program, GRI-0621, is an RARβγ agonist shown to inhibit the activity of key immune cells, like iNKT cell activity, and is being developed as a novel oral therapeutic for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a serious disease with significant unmet need. The Company is also developing a pipeline of novel type 2 diverse NKT (“dNKT”) agonists for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. Additionally, with a library of over 500 proprietary compounds, GRI Bio has the ability to fuel a growing pipeline. Investor Contact:JTC Team, LLCJenene Thomas(908) [email protected]

GW Gowling WLG More Gowling WLG is an international law firm built on the belief that the best way to serve clients is to be in tune with their world, aligned with their opportunity and ambitious for their success. Our 1,400+ legal professionals and support teams apply in-depth sector expertise to understand and support our clients’ businesses. Gowling WLG’s Intellectual Property team in the Middle East has been named ‘UAE Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year’ at the Chambers Middle East Awards 2026… Canada To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com. Gowling WLG’s Intellectual Property team in the Middle East has been named ‘UAE Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year’ at the Chambers Middle East Awards 2026, recognising the team’s market-leading work, continued growth and quality of service. The awards celebrate top law firms’ pre-eminence across key Middle Eastern jurisdictions, recognising outstanding achievements over the past year, including exceptional legal expertise and casework, remarkable strategic growth and expansion, and superior client service delivery. Our UAE Intellectual Property (IP) team is led by partner Jon Parker, a recognised leader in the regional IP market, supported by Saudi-based partner Bachir A Chakra. The practice is active across a wide range of sectors, combining global reach with deep local legal and regulatory expertise. It stands out as one of the most extensive, full-service, dedicated IP teams within an international law firm in the region. Chambers and Partners is a trusted ranking and a mark of excellence across the legal industry. This recognition reinforces our UAE IP team’s position as a leader in the regional IP market, with expertise in patents, trademarks, brands and designs, copyright, and its capabilities to provide outstanding client experience. This latest award follows on from previous success in this category, having claimed the award in 2024 and 2022. The team is also ranked Band 1 in the Chambers Global 2026 edition and continues to be ranked by leading legal directories. Most recently, it was named UAE Trademark Firm of the Year at the Managing IP EMEA Awards 2026, with Jon Parker also named UAE Practitioner of the Year.

Geneva, Switzerland – The UAE has confirmed that Iran’s terrorist attacks on the UAE and countries in the region have repercussions that are not limited to destabilizing security and stability in the region. Rather, it extends to undermining opportunities for innovation and weakening the system of international cooperation based on trust and knowledge exchange. This came in a statement delivered by Ambassador Jamal Al Mashrakh, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva. During the special session of the Assemblies of Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), held in Geneva. Al-Mashrekh stressed that these attacks directly threaten development models based on innovation and openness. Foremost among these is the UAE model, which is based on openness, innovation, and international cooperation. Pointing out at the same time the UAE’s continued commitment to strengthening the intellectual property system as an essential driver for achieving sustainable development. The ambassador noted that undermining regional stability negatively impacts investment flows into the knowledge economy and limits opportunities for cooperation in the fields of technology and innovation. It weakens trust, which is the basis for protecting intellectual property at the international level. Explaining that intellectual property represents a vital bridge for cooperation and an essential element in enabling economies based on knowledge and innovation. Al Mashrakh stressed that the UAE continues its commitment to strengthening the intellectual property system, supporting innovators and developing an environment that stimulates creativity. In parallel with its efforts to protect regional stability and consolidate security. The ambassador explained that the UAE continues its firm support for creators and innovators. While strengthening its partnership with the World Intellectual Property Organization and its member states, which contributes to advancing sustainable development efforts. Al-Mashrekh congratulated Darren Tang on his re-election as Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organization for a second six-year term. Expressing confidence in his leadership, he praised the progress made by the organization during his tenure. Especially in establishing the role of innovation and intellectual property at the heart of global development efforts. The UAE reiterated its emphasis on the importance of strengthening multilateral action and encouraging constructive dialogue. Giving priority to peaceful solutions as the only way to achieve security, stability and prosperity for all.

United Arab Emirates authorities blocked 13,667 websites in the first quarter of 2026 as part of an intensified campaign against online piracy and digital content theft, according to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. The figure represents a nearly 400% increase compared with the same period last year. Since the launch of the “InstaBlock” center in February 2025, a total of 47,667 infringing websites have been taken down. The initiative uses a rapid-response system for copyright infringement complaints, enabling authorities to immediately block offending platforms. The InstaBlock center also employs artificial intelligence tools to monitor online content in real time and detect violations as they occur. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant Undersecretary for the Intellectual Property Sector, said the expansion of InstaBlock has strengthened the UAE’s capacity to protect intellectual property rights and improve enforcement efficiency. He added that the system has enhanced coordination with strategic partners and aligned with international best practices. The campaign was carried out in coordination with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, with participation from major media and streaming platforms including Abu Dhabi Media Network, MBC Shahid, OSN, Yango Play, and StarzPlay, as well as industry partners such as the Brand Owners Protection Group and Nissan Middle East. Authorities said enforcement was particularly focused during Ramadan, when demand for digital content increases. During the period, 5,677 websites were blocked, significantly higher than 2,217 in 2025, 1,117 in 2024, and 62 in 2023. The Ministry of Economy and Tourism said it maintained 24/7 monitoring and response operations, ensuring swift action on infringement reports and continuous coordination with partners. Aside from enforcement, the campaign also included public awareness efforts encouraging audiences to access content through licensed platforms and respect intellectual property rights. Officials said the initiative supports the UAE’s broader goal of strengthening its global standing in digital content protection and advancing its creative industries under the “We the UAE 2031” vision.

WAM The UAE’s Ministry of Economy and Tourism has blocked 13,667 pirate websites for violating copyright laws in the first quarter of 2026. The campaign, part of the InstaBlock initiative, utilises artificial intelligence for real-time monitoring and immediate processing of copyright infringement reports in creative content and digital broadcasting. The ministry worked with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority and other stakeholders, including Abu Dhabi Media Network, MBC Shahid, OSN, Yango Play, STARZPLAY, the Brand Owner Council, and Nissan Middle East, to block the sides. Enforcement intensified during Ramadan to combat increased broadcasting violations, with records showing that immediate blocks during the holy month alone rose to 5,677 in 2026 from 62 sites in 2023, 1,117 in 2024, and 2,217 in 2025.  The initiative brings the total number of sites blocked since the launch of the InstaBlock Lab in February 2025 to 47,667. Dr Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant Undersecretary for the Intellectual Property Sector, stated that the initiative “reflects the effectiveness of the national approach to protecting intellectual property and fostering a secure digital environment that supports innovation and global competitiveness.” The campaign also aimed to raise community awareness regarding the importance of accessing creative works through official and licensed sources. The ministry emphasised that these efforts align with the “We the UAE 2031” vision to protect the knowledge-based economy and enhance the country’s international standing in digital content protection.