Hall Of Fame

Firms To Watch: Intellectual property

With broad intellectual property expertise spanning copyright, online brand protection and trademark management, Abion Intellectual Property Registration LLC is well versed in infringement as well as unfair competition matters. Key members of the team include Nicole Giblin and Mark Devaney, who joined from Clyde & Co LLP in January 2024.

Firms in the Spotlight Intellectual property

ADG Legal

ADG Legal logo

ADG Legal, established in 2017 following the merger of Mohammed Al Dahbashi Advocates and Kingsgove Partners, is now a renowned full-service law firm headquartered in Dubai, UAE, with offices in Abu Dhabi, Egypt, and London.

View Profile...

ADG Legal

ADG Legal logo

ADG Legal, established in 2017 following the merger of Mohammed Al Dahbashi Advocates and Kingsgove Partners, is now a renowned full-service law firm headquartered in Dubai, UAE, with offices in Abu Dhabi, Egypt, and London.

View Profile...

Intellectual property in United Arab Emirates

Al Tamimi & Company

Particularly active in anti-counterfeiting mandates, full-service commercial law firm Al Tamimi & Company has a stellar client roster including well-known names in the pharmaceutical and sports sectors. The practice is equipped to handle commercial IP matters including licensing and franchising, for which Rasha Al Ardah is a key contact. Omar Obeidat is often engaged in IP litigation and portfolio management, while Ahmad Saleh is well regarded for handling cross-border transactions involving patent transfer agreements. Rasha Al Ardah is knowledgeable in copyright and trademarks, and Mariam Sabet is skilled in domain name disputes and online infringement matters. UmmeSalamah Tyebjee is also noted, as is Ahmad Zaza, who was promoted to partner in January 2023.

Practice head(s):

Omar Obeidat; Ahmad Saleh


Other key lawyers:

Rasha Al Ardah; Rasha Al Ardah; Mariam Sabet; UmmeSalamah Tyebjee; Ahmad Zaza


Key clients

FIFA


Salik


Al Fakher / Air Limited


AbbVie


MBC IP FZ LLC


Dassault Systèmes


Technology Innovation Institute (TII)


PopArabia and Reservoir Media Management


American University of Sharjah


Caterpillar


LVMH


Work highlights


  • Acting for FIFA in relation to its brand protection and ticketing protection programme for the World Cup.
  • Advising Salik on IP due diligence and the transfer of IP assets to a newly incorporated company.
  • Advising AbbVie on the safeguarding of its pharmaceutical inventions, compounds, molecular structures and medications, including submitting patent applications and prosecuting patent cases.

Clyde & Co LLP

With a broad IP offering encompassing commercial, contentious and registration matters, the ‘fantastic’ practice at Clyde & Co LLP is praised for its ‘timely and clear advice’. The team, which benefits from the firm's extensive regional footprint, is also noted for its stellar client roster spanning the entertainment, food and beverage, hospitality and luxury goods sectors. Joycia Young is vastly experienced in copyright, patent, trademark, technology licensing and IP commercialisation. Nicole Giblin, Mark Devaney, and Natalie Slabbert departed the team at the beginning of 2024.

Practice head(s):

Joycia Young


Testimonials

‘This team is fantastic, responsive, and provides timely and clear advice. A good local network of people who can liaise directly with IP offices in the UAE which is very useful.’

‘We have worked with this firm for many years and continue to do so because of the great service.’

‘Always reachable, and the team’s solid feedback can be used internally.’

Key clients

Wheel Pros


Noon


Etihad Airways


Work highlights


Rouse

Rouse’s broad IP offering encompasses advisory, litigation and portfolio management work and stands out for its significant patent prosecution expertise. Bassel El Turk has a strong record in trademark cases before the UAE courts as well as the Federal Supreme Court, while ‘excellent resource’ Sara Holder is knowledgeable in the protection and enforcement of patents. Samantha Grainger is well versed in international licensing and franchising agreements, notably the commercialisation of patents and technology, and Yana Tysganvoka is experienced in filing strategies across the automotive, energy, luxury and personal care sectors.

Practice head(s):

Bassel El Turk; Sara Holder; Samantha Grainger; Yana Tsygankova


Testimonials

‘A large and diverse team with high quality standards.  Well-coordinated and strong communication.’

‘Knowledgeable and hard-working, the team translates the challenges in difficult legal systems to understandable language. Client oriented.’

‘Rouse in Dubai is a one-stop shop for local and regional work. The team’s experience covers all bases from prosecution, enforcement, to licensing and more.’

Key clients

Starbucks


Visa


Honeywell


DP World


United Arab Emirates University


Emirates Shipping Line


A & I Services


Work highlights


Bird & Bird

Praised for its ‘practical and commercially insightful advice’, Bird & Bird maintains a strong IP offering, encompassing expertise in trade secrets, product design, data privacy and trademarks. The team is additionally well placed to assist with a range of strategic work connected to the management of IP portfolios. ‘Standout partner’ Melissa Murray spearheads the practice and is highlighted for her ‘real expertise, network and client management’. Sahar Tarhini regularly advises clients on brand protection mandates and global brand clearance strategies.

Practice head(s):

Melissa Murray


Other key lawyers:

Sahar Tarhini


Testimonials

‘The team is very responsive, forthcoming with information, and very adept at helping us through our decision making process.’

‘Responsive, sensitive to client needs, and able to quickly understand client needs and tailor advice and strategy to those needs.’

‘The firm gives practical and commercially insightful advice.’

‘Their standout attribute is the real depth of knowledge across the IP practice, where they can also leverage support from foreign offices to provide us with global brand coverage. I will regularly call on Birds’ other offices in order to get insights or advice without needing to go to another firm.’

‘Melissa Murray is a standout partner with real expertise, network, and client management.’

‘Sahar Tarhini is a rising junior within the team who should be one to watch in the future both for the practicality of her advice and her meticulous attention to detail and client management.’

‘Melissa Murray stands out from other attorneys that we work with. She thinks of things that we in the business haven’t even thought of. ’

Key clients

The Grooming Company


Circle K Procurement and Brands Limited


Papa John’s


TGI Friday’s


The Social Gaming Group


Butlers Chocolate Cafe


Work highlights


  • Assisting The Grooming Company and its various brands on its continued expansion into Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Oman by advising on the licensing of its IP.

DLA Piper

Well equipped to advise global and regional clients on trademark portfolio management, DLA Piper has strong expertise in the technology sector. Paul Allen is well regarded for his digital transformation programme capabilities, while Saba Al Sultani is adept in copyright and domain name matters. Faisal Imam is knowledgeable in data protection issues, and Alicia Ma is proficient in trademark and copyright protection, enforcement and commercialisation.

Practice head(s):

Paul Allen; Saba Al Sultani


Other key lawyers:

Faisal Imam; Alicia Ma


Testimonials

‘A reasonably new team with a high level of sophistication for complex IP matters in the region. ’

Work highlights


Gowling WLG

‘The extremely efficient and organised’ practice at Gowling WLG is lauded for its capabilities in ‘managing complex patent portfolios across multiple jurisdictions in the Middle East’. The full-service IP department often handles design and copyright litigation and enforcement, as well as trademark and patent prosecution. ‘IP guru’ Jon Parker is skilled in brand and product creation in addition to design clearance, while Rachel Armstrong and Tamara El Shibib maintain broad caseloads encompassing IP commercialisation. Sau Lin Wan focuses on IP exploitation matters; Marian Fayek is experienced before Egypt and UAE courts; Noor Hasan is noted for her strength in copyright enforcement in the entertainment, retail and technology spaces; and Samantha Yung is highlighted for her proficiency in advising clients on online and offline anti-counterfeiting strategies. Natalie Slabbert joined the team from Clyde & Co LLP in February 2024.

Practice head(s):

Jon Parker; Rachel Armstrong


Other key lawyers:

Tamara El Shibib; Marian Fayek; Noor Hasan; Samantha Yung; Natalie Slabbert


Testimonials

‘Gowling’s team is extremely efficient, organised, and does a great job managing complex patent portfolios across multiple jurisdictions in the Middle East.’

‘Easy to work with and very responsive. Tamara El-Shibib in the UAE is knowledgeable of the Middle East region.’

‘Jon Parker and the team are extremely knowledgeable and on top of the matters they handle. You always feel comfortable working with them as they are passionate and focused despite their challenging workload.’

Key clients

Santos


ITW Performance Polymers (subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works Inc.)


Middle East Real Estate Development Company


A Middle East Leisure & Real Estate Development Company


UAE Headquartered Hospitality Group


UAE free zone authority


Global Car Group pte ltd


Ecolab USA, Inc


Work highlights


  • Advised one of the UAE’s leading leisure and real estate development companies on large-scale brand clearance and trademark prosecution matters throughout the MENA region.
  • Advised a major telecom company on a global rebranding project and the acquisition of trademarks and domain names.
  • Represented one of UAE’s largest federal universities in an IP ownership dispute, which led to an amicable resolution.

Hadef & Partners LLC

With capabilities in litigation proceedings and enforcement matters before all tiers of UAE courts, Hadef & Partners LLC is home to specialist IP advocates. James Dunne is focused on brand, copyright and design protection, while Victoria Woods is adept in IP commercialisation and licensing. Mhammad Malaeb is well placed to advise clients on pre-filing clearances of trademarks, and Rami Omar is experienced before the Dubai Labour Court.

Practice head(s):

James Dunne; Victoria Woods


Other key lawyers:

Mhammad Malaeb; Rami Omar


Work highlights


Cedar White Bradley IP LLP

Lauded for its ‘exceptional legal expertise, problem-solving abilities and client-centred solutions’, Cedar White Bradley IP LLP handles the filing, prosecution and registration of IP rights. The ‘invaluable’ Thenus Van De Merwe oversees the practice and advises on IP licensing, litigation and strategy, as well as portfolio management. Cameron Crawford covers the full array of media and entertainment matters, including advertising, content streaming and publishing. Sonia Felipe is knowledgeable in domain name and copyright matters.

Practice head(s):

Theuns van de Merwe


Other key lawyers:

Cameron Crawford; Sonia Felipe


Testimonials

‘Cedar White Bradley IP LLP stands out for its exceptional team of legal experts who combine deep industry knowledge with a forward-thinking approach, providing clients with innovative and tailored solutions.’

‘The individuals at Cedar White Bradley IP LLP stand out due to their exceptional legal expertise, problem-solving abilities, and client-centred solutions.’

‘The advice provided by the Cedar White firm in relation to trademark matters in the Middle East and North Africa has been exceptional.’

Key clients

Al Tayer Group


Alshaya Group


Azadea Group


Cementaid


Emblem Consulting DMCC (MBLM)


Food Arts Investments & Co


International Cricket Council


Image Nation Abu Dhabi


Lutron E.A Limited


Luxury Living Group


Nike


Oman Air


Qatar Railways Company


Sacha Jafri


Voltage Pictures LLC


Wagamama


Work highlights


Charles Russell Speechlys LLP

Commended for its ‘efficient system and highly knowledgeable people’, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP is noted for its film, TV, technology, digital and telecoms expertise. Mark Hill leads the practice and is a key port of call for entertainment and media companies, film producers and high-end retail franchising groups. Lara Haidar is experienced in the full spectrum of IP enforcement and protection, and Chris Haywood handles media matters.

Practice head(s):

Mark Hill


Other key lawyers:

Lara Haidar; Chris Haywood


Testimonials

‘This practice is distinguished because of the highly professional way in which they handle clients. An efficient system and highly knowledgeable people.’

‘The individuals I worked with over the years have great ethical and leadership skills. Highly motivated and always trying to help clients.’

Key clients

Al Tayer Group


Alshaya Group


Azadea Group


Cementaid


Emblem Consulting DMCC (MBLM)


Food Arts Investments & Co


International Cricket Council


Image Nation Abu Dhabi


Lutron E.A Limited


Luxury Living Group


Nike


Oman Air


Qatar Railways Company


Sacha Jafri


Voltage Pictures LLC


Wagamama


Eversheds Sutherland LLP

Led by arbitration, litigation and digital transformation specialist Nasser Ali Khasawneh, Eversheds Sutherland LLP is noted for its global IP offering. Geraldine Ahern advises clients on distribution and franchising agreements, while Andrew Garbett handles transactional work as well as trademark and patent licenses. Christine Khoury is well equipped to handle matters pertaining to data protection.

Practice head(s):

Nasser Ali Khasawneh


Other key lawyers:

Geraldine Ahern; Andrew Garbett; Christine Khoury


Testimonials

‘The team is highly responsive and solutions orientated.’

‘I would highlight Christine Khoury.’

Key clients

World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)


Danone


Seddiqi Holding


Philip Morris International Management S.A. (PMI)


Autodesk


Bentley


Work highlights


  • Advising consumer goods company Philip Morris International on strategic IP enforcement.
  • Advising a multinational software corporation on IP issues in the UAE, in particular enforcement.
  • Advising a US-based software company on IP issues across the region, in particular enforcement.

Simmons & Simmons Middle East LLP

A key port of call for sizeable international pharmaceutical and medical technology companies, Simmons & Simmons Middle East LLP is well regarded for its expertise in cross-border IP exploitation mandates. Raza Rizvi heads the practice and is particularly skilled in IP exploitation; Jas Shoker advises clients on IT and outsourcing; and Owen Afriye is well informed on software and IP licensing. Robbie Nakarmi is also a key member of the team.

Practice head(s):

Raza Rizvi


Other key lawyers:

Jas Shoker; Owen Afriye; Robbie Nakarmi


Testimonials

‘The team has a high degree of competence across all types of IP, particularly as regards emerging technology.’

‘They have been at the cutting edge of AI-related developments both from a global regulatory as well as a regional business perspective.’

‘The team has a deep understanding of the interface between IP and emerging technology and a very strong grounding across all categories of IP including complex copyright issues relating to software development and AI.’

Work highlights


The Bench

IP infringements, licensing, transactions and sponsorship agreements are regularly handled by the IP team at The Bench, which counts hospitality and TMT companies among its clients. Experienced practitioner Joby Beretta leads the team and is knowledgeable in data protection, e-commerce, franchising and sports law.

Practice head(s):

Joby Beretta


Testimonials

‘A great team to work with. They make things easy and understandable for me and my team. ’

‘Great people, doing a great job. We feel very comfortable working with them.’

‘Quick responses, and a breadth of legal expertise.’

Key clients

Finyal Media


LPME Studios


Nomad Media Group


Accor Hotels


International Hotels Group (IHG)


RMAL Hospitality


LifeOnScreen


JK58


MSS Kits


Bench Events


Work highlights


  • Advised LPME Studios on the first release by its flagship record label LPME Records – ‘Nasskha Menni’ by Carole Samaha.
  • Advised Chef Akmal Anuar on a restaurant management agreement for the OTORO located in Al Qana, Abu Dhabi.
  • Advised Danah Al Ali, the first Emirati to climb Everest and Lhotse in one day, on sponsorship agreements with Adnoc, Aldar and Thuraya in both English and Arabic.

BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates LLP

Recently engaged in anti-counterfeiting, anti-piracy and digital infringement matters, BSA Ahmad Bin Hezeem & Associates LLP’s IP offering spans copyright claims, patent and trademark prosecution. Experienced litigator Amala Atieh is knowledgeable in anti-counterfeiting, IP litigation, portfolio management and enforcement, and Felicity Hammond is noted for her capabilities in domain name disputes as well as trademark and copyright prosecution.

Other key lawyers:

Amala Atieh; Felicity Hammond


Key clients

MBC IP FZ LLC- MBC FZ LLC


MBC Media Solutions Limited (MMS)


Japan Tobacco International


WWE Entertainment Inc


AECOM Technology Corporation


Driscoll’s of Europe B.V


Country Hill International


Olaplex Inc.


Andersen Tax LLC


Illumina Inc.


Gorilla Drinks Limited


Middle East News FZ LLC (Al Arabiya Network FZ LLC)


MBC Studios FZ LLC


Work highlights


  • Assisted MBC Group with the rebranding and protection of a new developed trademark, which included international trademark registration filing and handling through the Madrid system.
  • Assisted Fossil Group on the enforcement of its trademark in the UAE, which came as a result of third-party stores selling counterfeit goods.
  • Assisted Premier Beverages P.B regarding an infringement by a local UAE entity on its famous energy drinks band Gorilla Drinks.

Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants

Led by Raka Roy who is well informed in data protection, Galadari Advocates & Legal Consultants often handles brand asset safeguarding and trademark registration. Mahmood Al Mashhadani’s key strengths lie in criminal intellectual property litigation. Advocate Essa Ziad Galadari is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Raka Roy


Other key lawyers:

Mahmood Al Mashhadani; Essa Ziad Galadari


Testimonials

‘Raka Roy is amazing, her knowledge is deep, and she is available 24/7.’

Key clients

A steel kitchenware manufacturer


A leading national oil company


A leading UAE insurance company


Work highlights


  • Successfully represented a client in the UAE Cassation court by removing a wrongfully registered trademark in bad faith, setting a new standard in trademark law.
  • Advised several small UAE-based businesses in response to a legal notice alleging trademark infringement.
  • Represented a fast-food restaurant in a trademark infringement case, securing protection of a registered trademark menu item.