Middle East: Intellectual Property

Oman has achieved international geographical indication protection for its frankincense through WIPO, marking a significant milestone in safeguarding one of the nation's most culturally and economically valuable natural products. The registration under the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement provides enhanced legal protection against misuse while reinforcing the authentic connection between Dhofar's Boswellia sacra trees and this historically significant aromatic resin.

The UAE trade mark system faces a procedural challenge where accepted applications remain incomplete for years, blocking new filings despite never progressing to registration.

Saudi Arabia has approved implementing regulations for its new Geographical Indications Protection System, establishing a framework for registering and protecting products whose quality or reputation is linked to specific geographical origins.

Licensing agreements occupy a structurally ambiguous position in merger control, sitting between asset acquisitions and ordinary commercial contracts.

United Trademark & Patent Services celebrates its continued recognition in the IAM Patent 1000 guide, earning rankings as a Highly Recommended Firm in Pakistan and a leading firm in the UAE for patent prosecution, transactions, and litigation. The firm's leadership team, including Hasan Irfan Khan, Yawar Irfan Khan, Maria Farrukh Irfan Khan, and others, brings decades of combined expertise in patent law, enforcement, and strategic IP advisory across the Middle East and South Asia.

Saudi Arabia has modernized its intellectual property framework through the enactment of a new Copyright Law pursuant to Royal Decree No. M/169, published in the Official Gazette (Umm Al-Qura) on February 13, 2026.

Saudi Arabia has modernized its intellectual property framework through the enactment of a new Copyright Law pursuant to Royal Decree No. M/169, published in the Official Gazette (Umm Al-Qura) on February 13, 2026.

The UAE has developed a strong legal framework for protecting intellectual property and resolving commercial brand disputes. This framework is supported by major legislative reforms, including Federal Decree-Law...

In the UAE's fast-paced digital economy, original content faces constant risks of unauthorized copying and misuse across borders. Understanding Federal Decree Law No. 38 of 2021 and working with experienced legal counsel can mean the difference between reactive damage control and proactive protection of your creative and commercial assets.

Oman has achieved international geographical indication protection for its frankincense through WIPO, marking a significant milestone in safeguarding one of the nation's most culturally and economically valuable natural products. The registration under the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement provides enhanced legal protection against misuse while reinforcing the authentic connection between Dhofar's Boswellia sacra trees and this historically significant aromatic resin.

Patents serve as crucial legal instruments protecting innovators' exclusive rights to exploit their inventions for specified periods. Understanding Egypt's patent registration framework under Law No. 82 of 2002 reveals how the system balances inventor interests with societal benefits while promoting economic development through technological advancement.

United Trademark & Patent Services celebrates its continued recognition in the IAM Patent 1000 guide, earning rankings as a Highly Recommended Firm in Pakistan and a leading firm in the UAE for patent prosecution, transactions, and litigation. The firm's leadership team, including Hasan Irfan Khan, Yawar Irfan Khan, Maria Farrukh Irfan Khan, and others, brings decades of combined expertise in patent law, enforcement, and strategic IP advisory across the Middle East and South Asia.