Month: November 2025

Introducing the UAE Industrial Property Appellate Board: What Applicants Need to Know

Posted on by info@www.utmps.com

On May 8, 2025, the UAE Prime Ministry announced the establishment of the Industrial Property Grievance Committee, as outlined in Cabinet Resolution No. (36) of 2025. This new body, which came into effect on May 9, 2025, is designed to address patent disputes and aims to enhance fairness, transparency, and efficiency in resolving industrial property-related issues in the UAE.

Current vs. New Process

Prior to this development, patent disputes in the UAE lacked a formal appellate process, often leading to delays and inconsistent outcomes. The newly introduced system streamlines the dispute resolution process by establishing clear procedural timelines. Following the registration decision by the Ministry, a grant certificate will be issued unless a post-grant re-examination is requested within 90 days. However, any interested party has the right to file a grievance within 60 days of the decision. If the grievance is not resolved to their satisfaction, the applicant may appeal the Grievance Committee’s decision within a further 30-day period to the competent court.

Key Features of the New Appellate Process

  1. Appeals Timeline: Appeals must be filed within 60 working days from the date of the decision notification to the party concerned.
  2. Committee Formation: Upon receiving an appeal, the Ministry will review the procedural requirements and form the Industrial Property Grievance Committee. The Committee may request additional information, data, or supporting documentation from the appellant, ensuring that all necessary details are considered before proceeding.
  3. Hearings and Expert Opinions: Both parties involved in the dispute will have the opportunity to present evidence. The Committee can also seek expert opinions when deemed necessary to ensure an informed decision-making process.
  4. Decision and Communication: The Committee will issue a reasoned decision within 60 days of the appeal submission. This decision will include legal and factual grounds for the ruling. The decision will be communicated to the parties within 15 working days through modern communication channels.
  5. Publication for Transparency: To ensure transparency, all final decisions will be published in the Official Gazette, providing public access to the outcomes and reinforcing the system’s accountability.

A Step Forward for UAE’s Patent System

The establishment of the Industrial Property Grievance Committee marks a significant step forward in strengthening the UAE’s intellectual property (IP) framework. By providing a formalized, transparent, and efficient process for resolving patent disputes, this new mechanism offers applicants greater legal certainty and confidence in the protection of their innovations.

The introduction of this system reflects the UAE’s ongoing commitment to improving its IP regime, aligning with global best practices and providing a more robust and predictable environment for businesses and innovators operating in the region.

For further details, please refer to the official announcement: Source. 

For practical insights, feel free to reach out to our experienced Patent Team at: patents@unitedtm.com 

The Business of Innovation Part 6: The Crucial Role of a Resident IP Asset Manager and Administrator

Posted on by info@www.utmps.com

Business of Innovation Series

This article is part of our Business of Innovation series, exploring how organizations can optimize profits with effective innovation strategies and IP asset management.

The Growing Importance of IP Asset Management

In the evolving landscape of innovation, where intellectual property (IP) is a strategic asset and innovation ecosystems span internal teams and external partners, organizations need more than just sound policies and strategies.

They require dedicated expertise to manage, protect, and maximize their IP assets day-to-day.

The Role of a Resident IP Asset Manager

This is where the role of a resident IP Asset Manager and Administrator becomes indispensable.

Why a Resident IP Asset Manager?

Intellectual property is complex and dynamic. Patents expire, trademarks require renewals, licensing agreements evolve, and new inventions emerge constantly.

Without continuous oversight, organizations risk losing control of their IP, missing critical deadlines, or failing to leverage opportunities for monetization and collaboration.

A resident IP Asset Manager is not the director of R&D, although they may work closely together. The IP Asset Manager acts as the organization’s IP custodian, ensuring alignment between IP assets, business objectives, and legal requirements.

Key Responsibilities

  • Portfolio Management: Maintaining an accurate and up-to-date inventory of patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and licenses.
  • Deadline Monitoring: Tracking filing, renewal, and maintenance deadlines to prevent lapses in protection.
  • Contract Coordination: Supporting negotiation and execution of IP-related agreements with suppliers, partners, and licensees.
  • Internal Collaboration: Working with R&D, legal, business development, and finance teams to embed IP considerations into business processes.
  • Risk Management: Identifying potential infringements or unauthorized use and coordinating enforcement actions.
  • Reporting & Analytics: Delivering insights on portfolio value, performance metrics, and market trends.

Benefits of a Dedicated IP Asset Manager

Organizations with a resident IP Asset Manager experience smoother IP operations, fewer administrative errors, and improved strategic decision-making.

This role allows leadership and innovators to focus on growth while ensuring IP assets are properly managed and leveraged.

As companies increasingly engage in open innovation, joint ventures, and complex ecosystems, the IP Asset Manager serves as a critical central point of contact.

Building the IP Function for the Future

Developing a skilled IP Asset Manager is not just about administration — it is about embedding IP expertise into the organization. Training, adoption of IP management technologies, and clear operational processes enable this role to evolve into a strategic enabler of innovation success.

Contact Our Team ›

Conclusion

In today’s fast-paced innovation economy, intellectual property demands dedicated stewardship.

A resident IP Asset Manager and Administrator connects IP strategy to execution, mitigates risk, and unlocks sustainable growth opportunities.

Investing in this role is an investment in the long-term success of your innovation portfolio and your organization.