Middle East: Intellectual Property

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has introduced a new licensing framework requiring businesses that play music commercially to obtain annual licenses and pay fees starting December 2026. This system aligns the UAE with international copyright standards and affects a wide range of establishments from restaurants and hotels to radio stations and airlines, with fees structured based on venue type, size, and usage.

In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping creative and commercial landscapes, fundamental questions about intellectual property ownership have become increasingly complex.

Copyright infringement can be stressful for creators, businesses, influencers, publishers, software developers, photographers, designers, and media professionals.

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has introduced a new licensing framework requiring businesses that play music commercially to obtain annual licenses and pay fees starting December 2026. This system aligns the UAE with international copyright standards and affects a wide range of establishments from restaurants and hotels to radio stations and airlines, with fees structured based on venue type, size, and usage.

A recent Israeli court ruling in a trademark licensing dispute demonstrates that intellectual property infringement can expose not only companies but also individual executives to personal liability. The case examined whether managers who continued business activities despite clear legal warnings could be held personally responsible for trademark violations, offering important lessons about management conduct in IP disputes.

The United Arab Emirates has introduced an Accelerated Patent Grant Programme in cooperation with international patent offices, including the USPTO. While the programme aims to streamline patent examination by leveraging foreign office findings, applicants must understand that it does not automatically expedite examination timelines—a distinction that requires careful strategic consideration when pursuing patent protection in the UAE.

沙特阿拉伯正式加入《马德里议定书》，成为海湾合作委员会第五个成员国加入该体系。

A business partnership can become difficult when one partner starts using the company’s name, logo, trade name, social media identity, packaging, or customer-facing branding without proper authority.

The UAE Cabinet has issued comprehensive new regulations establishing detailed procedures for detecting, investigating, and prosecuting commercial fraud violations. These regulations introduce mandatory product recall requirements, enhanced coordination between federal and local authorities, and structured administrative settlement mechanisms that significantly impact businesses operating throughout the UAE supply chain.

The United Arab Emirates has officially joined the Locarno Agreement, adopting an internationally recognized classification system for industrial designs that will enhance consistency, efficiency, and harmonization with global IP protection practices. This strategic move, effective October 2026, positions the UAE as a stronger hub for innovation and creative economy while simplifying design protection for businesses operating across multiple markets.

The United Arab Emirates has introduced an Accelerated Patent Grant Programme in cooperation with international patent offices, including the USPTO. While the programme aims to streamline patent examination by leveraging foreign office findings, applicants must understand that it does not automatically expedite examination timelines—a distinction that requires careful strategic consideration when pursuing patent protection in the UAE.

The Qatar Intellectual Property Office has temporarily suspended operations following the passing of the Father Emir, His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani. All statutory and administrative deadlines for intellectual property matters falling during the official mourning period will be automatically extended to the first working day after the Office reopens on 19 July 2026.