What is Emiratisation? Emiratisation is an initiative being advanced by the UAE Government that mandates the employment of UAE nationals within both, the public and the private sectors. The main aim is to enhance the local contribution to the national economy by raising the number of UAE nationals within the UAE workforce. This programme has …
Emiratisation new law frequently asked questions Read More »
Scent trademark registration – The new trademarks law i.e., Federal Decree-Law no. (36) of 2021 in UAE now specifically provides for registration of “smell” marks considering that the definition of “trademark” under Article (2) of the said law has been widened to include such a mark. There are very few countries in the world which …
The United Arab Emirates, over the years, has improved upon legislations and their effectiveness from the perspective of enforcement landscape involving intellectual property rights of legitimate owners. There are various forums available within the UAE which can be availed of by the rightful owners to enforce their intellectual property rights. Rajiv Suri, Senior Associate at …
Enforcing IP Rights in the United Arab Emirates’ new and improved legislative landscape Read More »
One of the foremost and important requisition of a new trademark application in UAE is the filing of the Power of Attorney. The said document essentially empowers the agent/s or the advocate/s to act for and on behalf of an applicant before the Trademark Office which falls under the auspices of the Ministry of Economy. …
One of the important aspects of intellectual property law is regulating the regime of prosecution and protection of Patents, and Industrial Designs. This encourages innovation thus leading to advancement in technology. In October 2014, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, Minister of Defence for the United Arab Emirates and …
UAE–Regime to encourage innovation through new Patent law Read More »
The Emirate of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is rapidly developing into as being one of the global centers for setting up of operations and dealing in virtual assets and cryptocurrencies. There are new startups in this digital space which encourage innovation in technology and digital assets. With such interests developing comes the …
Dubai – Virtual Assets are accorded statutory recognition Read More »
Decree No (23) of 2022, regulating the grant of Musataha Right over commercial lands in the Emirate of Dubai issued by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Purpose of the Decree The Decree aims to organise and control exploitation of commercial land …
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Trademarks law in the United Arab Emirates has recently undergone several changes including provisions concerning opposition/s. We have formulated and provided answers to some of the relevant frequently asked questions (FAQs) which specifically deal with the opposition/s as laid down under the UAE Trademarks law. These are as follows: 1- Does the UAE trademarks law …
FAQs on Trademark/s Oppositions-United Arab Emirates Read More »
1- The United Arab Emirates (the “UAE”) has a comprehensive Sharia’ governance framework for Islamic financial institutions issued by the Central Bank of the UAE (the “Central Bank”). The framework provides in detail for the Sharia’ governance bodies and requirements related to Islamic financial institutions and Islamic windows. Branches of foreign financial institutions that provide …
Sharia’ Governance Framework for Islamic Financial Institutions in the UAE Read More »
In today’s day and age where the world is moving towards conducting trade through e-commerce and online transactions, foremost requirement for enabling such digitized transaction/s is to register subjects as users with one’s personal data. Resultantly, such personal data has become a valuable intangible asset for any commercial venture/s which has its online presence. It …
Copyright is an important branch of intellectual property which seeks to extend protection to any innovative and original works which inter alia include any literary, artistic and musical work/s. As a part of reforming its intellectual property regime, in the year 2021, the UAE Federal Government, the Ministry of Economy, had inter alia issued an …
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) federal government adopts a progressive approach towards governance and implementation of laws. It recognizes best practices in international laws and adapts them to suit local needs as these are important for growth of the economy to bring it in line with the global trade regimes. Resultantly, over the years, the …
UAE – International Trademark/s Filings through Madrid Protocol Madrid Protocol, which relates to the Madrid Agreement concerning the International Registration of Marks, (Madrid System), is regulated by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) – which is one of the agencies of the United Nations. The Protocol allows owners/holders of trademarks to file and seek protection …
International Trademark/s Filings through Madrid Protocol Read More »
We are pleased to share our recent insight which feathered in In-House Community Magazine on Compliance and Sanctions of Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism in the UAE. The article takes a look on how the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to improve its reputation as a premier global financial hub and battle perceptions …
UAE – Introduction of new classification law of the private establishments The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) of the UAE Federal Government has introduced new Cabinet Resolution No. 18 of 2022. It is concerning classification into 3 Categories i.e., Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3 of private sector establishments/Companies, which are governed …
Introduction of new classification law of the private establishments Read More »
FAQs on Trademarks under the UAE law It is important for the owners and holders of a trademark to attain statutory rights in it by having it registered with the Ministry of Economy in the UAE. There is a codified law i.e., Federal Decree-Law no. (36) of 2021 in place which is the latest revised …
The UAE Cabinet approved the executive regulations of the Federal Decree-Law on Entry and Residence of Foreigners last month, increasing the attractivity of the UAE to live, work and invest in. The Golden Residence Scheme was initially approved in 2020 creating a 10-year renewable residency visa for select groups to attract skilled workers and entrepreneurs …
With the UAE economy picking up its threads during these tough covid times, some of the prominent federal laws are also undergoing transformation through specified amendment/s decrees. One such law involves regulation of trademarks regime in UAE. In September of 2021, the Ministry of Economy in UAE published in the official gazette a new Trademarks …
Anti money laundering (AML) and Know Your Client (KYC) provisions can be tricky to understand. Our latest Alsuwaidi & Company legal guide aims to help provide some clarity in this area. For further information on this and how we can work with you to ensure your organisation is compliant, please get in touch with the …
Anti money laundering (AML) and Know Your Client (KYC) Read More »
The UAE recently updated it labour laws and such will come into effect on 2nd February 2022. Further to receiving queries from our clients about these updates, we have put together a short overview outlining some of the new laws and suggestions on what your company should do to stay compliant and avoid the hefty fines. Read …
The UAE recently updated it labour laws and such will come into effect on 2nd February 2022. Further to receiving queries from our clients about these updates, we have put together a short overview outlining some of the new laws and suggestions on what your company should do to stay compliant and avoid the hefty fines. Read …
The UAE has updated its labour laws. What are these updates and what should you do? Read More »
The complete Alsuwaidi & Company Legal Guide on Litigation & Arbitration in the UAE is now available. This legal guide was written with the purposes of demystifying dispute resolution in the UAE for those on the ground in the UAE, and those based internationally and who may have interests in the UAE. The complete guide …
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has enacted new Intellectual Property Regulations with effect from 5 July 2021 under DIFC Law No. 4 of 2019 (IP Law). The new regulations will enable DIFC to increase innovation by identifying and protecting IP rights, important to technology and start-up companies. Moreover, these regulations allow Commissioner of Intellectual Property …
Abu Dhabi to allow 100% foreign ownership of professional companies Read More »
The final and third part of the A&C Legal Guide on Litigation & Arbitration to the UAE focuses on Arbitration. The A&C Legal Guide on Litigation & Arbitration to the UAE was written with the purposes of demystifying dispute resolution in the UAE for those on the ground in the UAE, and those based internationally …
Alsuwaidi & Company Legal Guides – Guide to Litigation & Arbitration in the UAE Part 3 Read More »
Part 2 of our three-part guide to Litigation & Arbitration in the UAE focuses on the off-short courts of the UAE – namely the DIFC and ADGM. REad more
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has just announced its first successful cross-border merger under the DIFC’s Companies Law. The DIFC Companies Law allows mergers between both private and public companies established in the DIFC and companies established in jurisdictions outside of the DIFC. This is a huge step forward that allows the DIFC to attract …
Foreign nationals can now own 100% of companies within the onshore jurisdiction of the UAE, which previously required 51% Emirati ownership to do business outside of UAE free zones. This remarkable development is expected to further enhance the UAE’s position as the Gulf’s premier business hub and a stronger magnet for foreign capital and investment. …
UAE Companies Law to Allow 100% Foreign Ownership in UAE Read More »
Have you filed your Economic Substance Regulation notification? All Licensees in the UAE must “notify” by the 30th June deadline and certain businesses engaged in “relevant activities” must further report. PURPOSE The purpose of the Regulations is to ensure that UAE entities that undertake certain activities are not used to artificially attract profits that are …
Have you filed your Economic Substance Regulation notification Read More »
Business integrity in the time of pandemic: what can businesses in the UAE do to protect their people and business? During these uniquely challenging times, businesses are poised to react to sudden changes in the market. As businesses navigate through new waters, it is best to seek guidance from the authorities and methodically deal with …
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has promulgated the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. (31) for 2019 concerning Economic Substance Regulations (ESR/Regulations) on 30 April 2019. Pursuant to the Regulations, a Ministerial Decision no. 215 of 2019 …
The United Arab Emirates is a fascinatingly inspirational young nation that has accomplished remarkable success in a short span of 48 years. UAE is also one of the safest countries with the lowest rate of crimes in the world. In line with UAE’s vision to become one of the safest places in the world, the …
The UAE Cabinet recently approved Decree-Law No. (19) of 2019 on the Insolvency of Natural Persons concerning natural person’s inability to pay debts due to insolvency and debt default. This new law is aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the UAE, ease of doing business and at facilitating more favorable conditions for individuals facing financial …
Long-term Residence Visas The UAE has launched long-term residence visa programs that aim to attract international talent into the UAE, such as entrepreneurs, investors, scientists and special talents. Availing these long-term residence visas can be described below: 10-year UAE residence visa According to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, foreign investors may obtain …
The United Arab Emirates Cabinet passed a landmark decision last year to allow 100% foreign ownership of companies onshore and have recently announced the industry sectors that are eligible. This marks a significant change from the prior law where foreigners must seek a local partner to set up business in the UAE, onshore and where …
Eligible Sectors for 100% Foreign Ownership in the UAE Now Defined Read More »
UAE has established itself as an economic hub in the MENA Region. Investors are presented with numerous options on how to enter the UAE market. Some establish their own companies while others opt to enjoy the market reputation, existing processes, and manpower of established companies in the UAE through mergers or acquisitions. Due diligence investigation …
Legal Due Diligence: Understanding How a Company Fares Read More »