Introducing the UAE Industrial Property Appellate Board: What Applicants Need to Know
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
- Appeals Timeline: Appeals must be filed within 60 working days from the date of the decision notification to the party concerned.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
