Intellectual Property | Global

Bird & Bird has an established IP practice in Dubai, which earns a high level of commendation for its trade mark work. The firm advises on filing strategies, portfolio management, prosecution and enforcement issues, and is able to assist with regulatory questions in relation to trade mark registration. Its respected team of lawyers acts for an array of international and domestic clients, with a strong focus on the retail, technology and hospitality spheres. The firm also offers complementary strengths in franchising.

Clyde & Co's Dubai IP department is adept at commercial issues such as brand protection, portfolio management, franchise agreements and licensing. Furthermore, it has a strong track record in cross-border patent prosecutions. Its clientele includes international insurance brands in addition to companies from the aviation and retail sectors.

DLA Piper has a respected IP group in Dubai with a strong focus on the technology, media and entertainment sectors. It offers additional expertise in a range of areas, including financial services, pharma and hospitalityi and continues to bolster its “soft” IP offering, advising several big-name international clients on the management of their trade mark portfolios across the region. It also acts for a range of significant brands on contentious IP matters.

UAE law firm Hadef & Partners is recognised for its strength in all aspects of trade marks, including registration, enforcement and commercialisation. Its Dubai-based lawyers are also adept at handling issues relating to licensing, with notable experience in acting for entities in the food and beverage, retail and real estate sectors. The firm frequently assists foreign brands with market entry to the UAE and wider GCC.

Eversheds Sutherland has a diverse team with considerable experience in IP, technology and commercial contracts. Key clients originate from the pharmaceutical, media and IT sectors, with the firm capable of providing guidance on both contentious and non-contentious matters. This work also extends to wide-ranging regulatory compliance mandates.

The Dubai office of Simmons & Simmons houses a team of lawyers with a wealth of IP knowledge, who regularly advise various pharma and healthcare clients. On the healthcare side, the team frequently assists with issues such as market entry, patent protection and brand development. Tech and media clients benefit from the firm’s strong experience in data protection and in questions related to licensing.

United Trademark & Patent Services maintains a sizeable team in Dubai, which is well versed in trade mark and patent issues. The firm regularly assists international and regional clients from the technology, hospitality and retail sectors with trade mark filings and opposition proceedings. It is also able to take on anti-counterfeiting mandates.