Middle East: Intellectual Property

Kuwait's Competition Protection Agency has introduced its first formal framework for handling confidential information in competition proceedings through Decision 33/2026.

Intellectual property (IP) often represents the most valuable asset in a technology M&A transaction. Yet IP due diligence remains one of the most underestimated parts of technology deals.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has become a new beacon in the Gulf region as a franchise destination, owing to a strong economic expansion, youthful and wealthy populace and bold transformations under Vision 2030.

The UAE has launched its Collective Management in Music Guide, establishing a framework for licensing and managing music rights across commercial sectors. From December 2026, businesses using music commercially will need to navigate new tariff structures and licensing requirements, while rights holders gain a practical route for collecting royalties through authorized Collective Management Organizations.

Intellectual property valuation combines art and science, requiring businesses to navigate traditional cost, market, and income approaches while understanding that an asset's worth depends on context, purpose, and strategic positioning. From the historic "diaper wars" between P&G and Kimberly-Clark to modern pharmaceutical portfolios, this exploration reveals how IP value fluctuates based on who holds it, when, and why—making effective valuation essential for licensing, M&A, financing, and strategic d

From October 2026, brand owners will gain access to the Madrid Protocol for trademark protection in Saudi Arabia, opening new opportunities for international businesses. This streamlined filing system allows multiple territories to be designated within a single application, potentially offering significant cost savings and reduced administrative complexity for companies expanding their brand protection into the Middle East market.

The EU AI Act establishes the world's first comprehensive regulatory framework for artificial intelligence, with Article 50 transparency obligations now legally binding as of August 2026. Organizations deploying...

Who is the best trademark lawyer in the UAE for registration, brand protection, enforcement, licensing, and practical dispute support across the Emirates.

United Trademark & Patent Services examines how effective brand protection in the UAE increasingly depends on coordination between enforcement authorities rather than just legal frameworks. The article explores the practical challenges of anti-counterfeiting enforcement across federal and emirate-level institutions, border controls, and the growing complexity of digital commerce and sophisticated counterfeit operations.

Who is the best copyright lawyer in Dubai for fast evidence preservation, online takedowns, licensing advice, and focused UAE enforcement support.

The UAE has launched its Collective Management in Music Guide, establishing a framework for licensing and managing music rights across commercial sectors. From December 2026, businesses using music commercially will need to navigate new tariff structures and licensing requirements, while rights holders gain a practical route for collecting royalties through authorized Collective Management Organizations.

From December 2026, UAE businesses that play music commercially—whether in cafés, retail stores, hotels, or entertainment venues—will face new licensing requirements and annual fees ranging from AED 1,500 to AED 50,000.