If you have any confusion during the application phase, we’d recommend reaching out to an IP Attorney.
Their fees can range from AED 1,000-3,000 per hour.
Use our IP Attorney Registry to find a recommended agent to help guide you in your Copyright journey.
Note: Some documents should be submitted in both Arabic and English. Any missing documents should be submitted in accordance with the timeline instructed by the MoEc through official notification. (Generally, 90 days from the notification delivery.)
Copyright applications in Dubai can be submitted through the Intellectual Works Rights Registration Service eService on MoEc.
The Copyright examination process is a pivotal stage in securing legal protection for your creative work.
Here's a comprehensive overview of the key steps involved:
Experienced examiners review your application to ensure completeness and compliance with Copyright laws and regulations. This stage aims to confirm that your work meets the necessary criteria for Copyright protection.
The examination involves clearing any formalities or administrative requirements. This may include addressing any issues with the application form, fees, or supporting documents.
Examiners assess the originality of your work, verifying that it possesses a sufficient level of creativity to merit Copyright protection. This evaluation is crucial for determining eligibility.
Your work is categorized and classified appropriately based on its nature, whether literary, artistic, musical, or otherwise. This step ensures that your Copyright protection aligns with the specific characteristics of your creation.
The examination verifies the documentation of ownership provided in the application. This may include confirming your authorship or the transfer of rights through a licensing or assignment agreement.
Throughout the process, the Copyright office may communicate with you to seek clarification, request additional information, or address any concerns that arise during the examination.
Upon successful completion of the examination, a Copyright certificate is issued. This official document serves as tangible proof of your Copyright ownership, establishing your exclusive rights to the creative work.
Applications may be tracked through the MoEc Intellectual Works Rights Workspace. All your applications may be found under the In-Progress Requests section.
When an application is awaiting amendments from your end, you will receive a notification and email. The details of required actions may be found on the portal as well.
Keep an eye on the market to monitor any infringements. This may be in the form of someone else using your work for their own commercial value without your permission, such as using one of your photographs to promote their work/company. This can be done on your own, or in some cases, an IP Attorney can monitor the market for you upon arrangement.
Recording your Copyright can make it easier to license your creation out to others. Reach out to businesses or individuals who you think may be interested in licensing your Copyright to create an additional source of income.
To find out more about what you can do once you’ve been granted a Copyright, please visit the Manage Your Copyright page.
