Trademark registration & opposition
Registering a trademark, and opposing or defending against a third-party opposition during the publication period.
Intellectual Property Law · Dubai, UAE
Trademark, Copyright & IP Enforcement Lawyer Dubai
Someone using your brand, copying your work, or selling counterfeits? UAE IP penalties are reported up to AED 1,000,000 for serious infringement - act on it.
MBM represents brand owners, creators and businesses in Dubai IP matters - trademark registration and infringement, copyright disputes, counterfeiting, customs recordation and licensing. Because an infringement case is often both a trademark and enforcement matter at once, we handle these together rather than in silos.
The framework
Automatic copyright, registered trademarks
UAE copyright is governed by the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021). Protection arises automatically on creation, with no registration requirement, though formal recordal can strengthen enforcement. Trademarks, by contrast, require registration under the current regulations set out in Cabinet Decision No. 57 of 2022, with penalties for serious infringement reported up to AED 1,000,000.
UAE Customs operates a trademark recordal system allowing border seizure of counterfeit goods bearing a recorded mark - a genuinely under-used tool for many brands. This page describes the general framework; it is not advice on your matter.
Matters we handle
IP matters MBM is instructed on
These are the situations that most often reach us. If yours is not listed, it is still worth a call.
Trademark infringement
Where someone is using your mark without permission, we assess the registration and pursue enforcement.
Copyright infringement
Where your work has been copied or used without permission, relying on the automatic protection copyright carries from creation.
Counterfeiting & customs recordation
Recording your trademark with UAE Customs to intercept counterfeit goods at the border, alongside civil or criminal enforcement.
Trade secrets & confidential information
Disputes over misappropriation of trade secrets, often connected to a former employee, partner or licensee.
IP licensing
Drafting and reviewing licensing agreements covering scope, territory, royalties and quality control.
Our approach
What MBM actually does on an IP matter
Concrete steps, in the order they usually happen.
Assess the right and the infringement
We confirm what is actually protected, and what is being done that infringes it.
Send a formal notice
A properly framed cease and desist often resolves a matter without further escalation.
Record with customs where relevant
For counterfeiting exposure, we arrange trademark recordal with UAE Customs to enable border seizure.
Pursue civil or criminal enforcement
Where informal steps do not resolve the matter, we pursue the appropriate enforcement route.
Coordinate across borders where needed
For cross-border IP matters, we coordinate strategy across each relevant jurisdiction.
Why MBM
Current on the 2021/2022 IP framework
UAE IP law was substantially modernised in 2021 and 2022. MBM works from that current framework, including enforcement tools many brands do not know exist.
- Litigation experience in-house. Where enforcement requires court or a criminal complaint, the people advising you are the people who will pursue it.
- Customs recordation expertise. A genuinely under-used tool we actively recommend where it fits.
- Straight answers on strength. If a registration or claim is weak, we will tell you that early.
- Two offices. Dubai and Sharjah.
17Years in practice as MBM Businessmen Services L.L.C.
90+Years of shared experience across the team
10Lawyers, litigation and arbitration capable
95%Win rate in high-stakes disputes, as published by the firm
Common questions
Trademark, copyright & IP enforcement, answered directly
General information, not advice on your matter. Positions and procedures can change and depend on your specific facts.
Someone is using my trademark without permission in Dubai - what can I do?
MBM can advise on the strength of your trademark registration, send a formal cease and desist, and pursue enforcement action, which under the current trademark regulations (Cabinet Decision No. 57 of 2022) can carry penalties reported up to AED 1,000,000 for serious infringement.
Do I need to register my copyright in the UAE for it to be protected?
No. Under the Copyright Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021), copyright protection arises automatically on creation, without a registration requirement. That said, a formal copyright recordal can strengthen enforcement by providing clearer evidence of ownership and creation date.
How do I register a trademark in Dubai?
Trademark registration proceeds under the current trademark regulations, generally involving an application, examination, and a publication period during which third parties may oppose the registration. MBM can manage this process and advise on the strength of a proposed mark.
What is trademark customs recordation, and is it worth doing?
UAE Customs operates a trademark recordal system that allows customs authorities to intercept and seize counterfeit goods bearing a recorded mark at the border. For brands facing counterfeiting exposure, this is often a genuinely cost-effective enforcement tool most competitors overlook.
What can be done about counterfeit goods bearing my brand?
Options can include customs recordation to intercept goods at the border, civil enforcement action against sellers and distributors, and in serious cases criminal complaints, depending on the scale and nature of the counterfeiting.
Can a trademark registration be opposed or challenged?
Yes. During the publication period following an application, a third party may file an opposition, and a registered mark can potentially be challenged afterward on specific grounds. MBM can act on either side of an opposition.
Does MBM handle trade secret and confidential information disputes?
Yes, including disputes over misappropriation of trade secrets or confidential business information, often connected to a former employee, partner or licensee.
What is involved in an IP licensing agreement?
Licensing agreements should clearly address scope of use, territory, royalties, quality control and termination rights. MBM drafts and reviews these agreements for both licensors and licensees.
Can an IP dispute involve more than one jurisdiction?
Yes. Cross-border IP disputes are common for brands and creators operating across multiple markets, and typically require coordinating enforcement strategy across each relevant jurisdiction.
How much does IP legal representation cost in Dubai?
The initial consultation with MBM is free. Cost thereafter depends on whether the matter is registration, licensing, or enforcement, and its complexity. MBM provides a scope and fee position before you instruct.
Free consultation
Tell us about your brand or work
Tell us briefly about your situation. Our team will review your enquiry and advise you on the appropriate next step. Everything you send is treated as confidential.
- +971 4 570 0204Dubai office · Monday to Friday, 08:00–17:00
- WhatsApp +971 54 596 1111Send examples of the infringement as photos if it is easier
- info@mbm-co.comAttach registration certificates and evidence of infringement
Practice area: Intellectual Property Law
Jurisdiction: Dubai & Sharjah, UAE
Last reviewed: September 2026
Thank you — your enquiry is with our team.
A member of the MBM team will review what you have sent and come back to you with the appropriate next step.
Your brand and your work are assets. Protect them before copying becomes routine.
Whether it is registration, infringement, or counterfeiting, the earlier we are involved, the more enforcement options remain open. The first consultation is free.