In the UAE, businesses and individuals can legally safeguard their creative works through copyright protection. By securing copyright protection in the UAE, individuals and businesses can safeguard their literary works, musical compositions, and software. The primary challenge with digital intellectual property lies in its vulnerability to unauthorized copying and widespread distribution, making it difficult for creators to control access and protect their rights. To address this, the UAE has introduced a new copyright law aimed at strengthening intellectual property rights in the digital world.
Federal Law No. 38 of 2021 on Copyright and Neighbouring Rights ensures the protection of creators and various forms of intellectual property in the digital age. The UAE has established this law to protect digital assets and thereby foster innovation across various industrial sectors. By implementing robust copyright protections, the country aims to support creators, encourage technological advancements, and ensure a fair and competitive digital economy.
How will online businesses benefit from the UAE’s new copyright law?
The Digital Copyright Law in the UAE was introduced to address the growing need for protecting digital intellectual property. With advancements in technology and the rapid expansion of online businesses, copyright protections have become essential in the region. This law is structured in alignment with various national and international treaties to ensure comprehensive protection. It safeguards digital assets such as smart applications, computer programs, databases, and other digital content.
In addition to the UAE Federal Law, international agreements like the Berne Convention and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) treaties strengthen the UAE’s dedication to intellectual property rights. This robust legal framework fosters innovation, supports digital content creators, and secures the rights of online enterprises in the evolving digital landscape.
Businesses should register their creative work, as copyright registration in the UAE provides a competitive edge. In today’s digital era, creations can be published and protected through copyright registration, helping companies enhance their market value. Copyright can contribute to business growth by enhancing its reputation and attracting investment opportunities.
Key features of the UAE’s Copyright law
The UAE’s copyright law grants IP owners the authority to take legal action against unauthorized use, including filing cases to block or remove infringing websites and online platforms. Regulatory bodies, such as the UAE Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), actively monitor illegal streaming services and enforce penalties, which may include fines and imprisonment.
To enhance copyright protection in the digital age, the UAE has adopted Digital Rights Management (DRM). DRM tools enable copyright holders to regulate access, usage, and distribution of their digital content through encryption, watermarking, and access control mechanisms. The legal framework upholds DRM agreements, allowing content creators and distributors to leverage technology for business growth while safeguarding their intellectual property.
Ownership and Protection of Intellectual Property
The UAE’s new digital copyright law introduces the concept of “work made for hire”. According to this, creative works produced by employees during their employment period belong to the employer unless otherwise agreed. The same principle applies to commissioned works, offering clarity to tech businesses regarding intellectual property created by employees. For architectural designs, ownership is assigned to the property owner rather than the architect. Additionally, the UAE government has placed restrictions on the use of copyrighted material for news reporting and research purposes.
The law grants authors, the right of attribution, allowing them to decide whether to publish their work. However, software and smart application developers are excluded from withdrawal rights, ensuring that businesses can confidently invest in innovations. In the event of a copyright owner’s passing, their rights are transferred to their heirs. If no heirs exist, ownership is taken over by the Ministry of Economy.
Copyright protection and ownership for Joint works
In the case of joint work, where multiple individuals contribute to the creation, all contributors co-own the copyright. For jointly created works, no author may use the copyrighted material without obtaining consent from all other contributors. If a joint creator passes away without heirs, their respective share will be transferred to the remaining creators.
How can Jitendra Intellectual Property help you protect your creative works?
In the UAE, copyright registration plays a crucial role in safeguarding your creative work. The registration process involves several steps and should be done with proper care. Copyrighted works can be easily protected in case of disputes. Jitendra Intellectual Property offers professional assistance for copyright registration in the UAE, ensuring that your creation is protected regardless of its nature. Our experts can also support you in copyright enforcement, helping you uphold your rights effectively.
