If you are starting a business, being aware of the copyright infringement act is critical.. It helps safeguard your business assets, such as your company name, logo, and designs, among others. This article will explain the intricacies of copyright infringement in the UAE.
What is Copyright Infringement in the UAE?
To understand copyright infringement, you must understand what a copyright is.
Copyright is a legal right to protect your property or work. It acts as a shield and gives originators like you exclusive rights to your work. In simple words, you can decide how your work is being used. Copyright protection is automatically implemented when you create an original work and put it in tangible form. However, you will still need a copyright registration in Dubai to protect your work.
Copyright infringement is when someone uses or distributes your Intellectual Property (IP) without your permission. Doing so can lead to legal repercussions for companies and individuals.
Types of Copyright Infringement in UAE
Misusing your property can be done through various methods. Some of the most common methods used are -
- Plagiarism - It is when someone uses your work without giving credit or seeking permission from the creator. Violating UAE’s copyright law can lead to serious legal repercussions.
- Piracy - This consists of replicating and circulating intellectual property without the consent of the owner.
- Photocopying - This involves creating photocopies of IP such as books, textbooks, etc. It violates the copyright laws in the UAE.
- Forgery - This method involves producing and supplying replicas of original creations such as clothes, electronics and many more items. As forgery directly affects the sale of the creator's products. It can lead to imprisonment and fines.
Documents Required to File for Copyright Infringement in UAE
Submit the documents mentioned below along with the application form to the respective authorities -
- Validated Proof of Infringement
- Approved Power of Attorney
- Information of the owner
- Proof of original work
How to File a Complaint against Copyright Infringement?
If you are a victim of copyright infringement, then you must follow the steps below to file an official complaint against the violator.
- Login to the Ministry of Economy (MOE) portal.
- Select a service from the range of e-services.
- Obtain the online application form and fill in the necessary details.
- Submit the application form along with the required documents.
- Pay the required fees to the MOE.
Dubai has strong copyright laws in place to protect original creations. If you think your copyright is being violated, take the necessary steps to pursue legal action. At Commitbiz, our team of expert consultants will help you resolve all your queries regarding copyright laws in the UAE and how to secure your IP in a timely manner. Reach out to us today for your queries.
What Intellectual Property does a copyright cover?
Copyrights safeguard intellectual property such as books, plays, music, lyrics, photographs, sketches, engineering and architectural drawings, and audio recordings.
What are the penalties for copyright infringement in Dubai?
Penalties for copyright infringement in Dubai can vary depending on the severity of the violation. They may include fines, imprisonment, and/or seizure of infringing materials. The exact penalties are outlined in the UAE Copyright Law and are enforced by the relevant authorities.
What should I do if I suspect someone is infringing my copyright in Dubai?
If you suspect copyright infringement in Dubai, you should gather evidence of the infringement, such as copies of the infringing material and any communication indicating unauthorized use. Then, you can consult with a lawyer specialising in intellectual property rights to determine the best course of action.
Are there any exceptions to copyright infringement in Dubai?
Yes, the UAE Copyright Law includes certain exceptions to copyright infringement, such as fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. However, the application of these exceptions can be subjective and should be carefully evaluated with legal guidance to ensure compliance with the law.