Exploring Patent Law in the UAE
With the recent peace developments between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there has been increased interest in doing business in the region. As such, it’s important to be aware of the local patent laws and regulations in UAE.
Here are a few key things you should know:
1. Patent protection is available: The UAE has its own patent law and offers patent protection to inventors for a period of 20 years from the date of filing.
2. Registration is required: To obtain a patent in the UAE, inventors must file an application with the Ministry of Economy’s Patent Office. The application should include a detailed description of the invention, as well as, drawings or other supporting materials.
3. The language used in the UAE patent law is Arabic. English law translations are available, and patent applications can be filed in either English or Arabic.
4. The UAE Patent Law provides for substantive examination on the merits of patent applications. The patent office will examine the application to ensure that the invention is new, involves an inventive step, and is capable of industrial application.
5. Grace period of 12 months (before the filing of the patent application) is provided by the UAE Patent Law.
6. The UAE patent system protects a variety of industries, including among other pharmaceuticals, IT, and communications.
7. Enforcement is possible: While enforcing patents can be challenging in the UAE, there are steps that patent holders can take to protect their rights. For example, patent holders can register their patents with customs authorities to prevent infringing products from entering the country and work with local attorneys to pursue infringers.
8. It’s important to be aware of local laws and regulations when filing for a patent in the UAE. For example, some types of inventions may not be patentable in the UAE, such as inventions related to methods of medical treatment.
The UAE is a growing hub for innovation and technology, and the government has taken steps to improve intellectual property protection in recent years. In 2019, the UAE amended its patent law to bring it in line with international standards and provide greater clarity and protection for patent holders. Don’t hesitate to seek our help to ensure the proper IP protection of your company’s innovations.
