What the team is known for
Rouse is a highly reputed boutique law firm acting on the full scope of contentious and non-contentious IP matters. Its Dubai office is widely agreed to be an outstanding team, and it regularly handles large-scale matters originating throughout the Middle East and Africa. Rouse's contentious capabilities encompass trade mark and patent infringement, anti-counterfeiting and brand protection initiatives as well as unfair competition issues. The firm is also praised for its skill set in non-contentious matters such as IP-related marketing and advertising advice in addition to assisting with issues of trade mark clearance and applications.
Strengths
Clients describe Rouse as "prompt and responsive" and appreciate the team for being "very solutions-focused," further noting that "they think through the ways in which we can mitigate risk."
Work highlights
Sara Holder led a Rouse team acting for Starbucks on the management of its MENA trade mark portfolio. The scope of this work encompassed advice on a significant multi-jurisdictional dispute.
Notable practitioners
Bassel El Turk is a well-known lawyer with considerable strength in trade mark litigation and enforcement matters. He heads the Dubai litigation team within Rouse and is also its UAE country manager.
"He thoroughly discusses the attack/defence strategy in a three-dimensional fashion." Co-head of the global patent and technology practice
Sara Holder is held in a distinguished position by the market for her lengthy IP experience. She is based in Dubai and acts across the full spectrum of intellectual property forms, receiving particular praise for her strength in contentious trade mark and patent work.
"She is an expert in patents." "Sara is distinguished by her skills, experience and strategic thinking."