Intellectual Property - United Arab Emirates
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 house 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
"Rouse is a very longstanding presence with a depth of international and local knowledge."
"When I need a structured, complex strategy, I go to Rouse. You're getting a high-end boutique which provides top-notch knowledge."
"They cover a case from all perspectives, taking into account how the court will look at an argument. They have excellent skills and are very responsive and organised."
Work highlights
Rouse advised Starbucks on its trade mark disputes across the MENA region, in addition to supporting with the broader management of its regional portfolio.
Notable practitioners
Sara Holder is most frequently praised for her extensive knowledge and experience regarding patents, with an equally strong understanding of trade mark matters. She is well known and highly respected within the legal community. "Sara Holder is very responsive, extremely knowledgeable and practical." "She's well known for her patent practice."
Bassel El Turk is a well-known lawyer with considerable strength in trade mark litigation and enforcement matters. He heads the Dubai dispute resolution team within Rouse and is also the managing partner of its Middle East and Africa business. "Bassel is a very logical lawyer who will always try to find you several solutions. He is pragmatic and his approach is very structured." "He's very knowledgeable, not just on IP in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, but worldwide. He's always updated on legal issues." "Bassel is very proactive and a pleasure to work with."
