The Dubai International Financial Centre’s Intellectual Property Law has been enacted. It will enable entities to protect their intellectual property rights and safely innovate. DIFC Law No. 4/2019 has been enacted by Dubai’s Ruler. It covers patents, utility certificates, industrial designs and drawings as well as copyrights, trademarks, trade names and trade secrets in line with international treaties and best practices. It also recognises UAE registered trademarks, patents, utility certificates, industrial designs and drawings as well as the rights afforded to each type of intellectual property right and the limitations to the protection.

In addition, ownership of patents and copyrights in employment relations are recognised and a new Commissioner of Intellectual Property position is created. They will be responsible for administering the Law, resolving disputes and imposing fines as well as sanctions and remedies for intellectual property infringements. The Commissioner of Intellectual Property will also have jurisdiction before the DIFC Courts in infringement cases.