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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Alicia Ma is proficient in trademark and copyright protection, enforcement and commercialisation. Faisal Imam left the firm.

‘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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.