The UAE offers a robust legal framework to protect and enforce trade secrets.
Key laws include:
01. Federal Law No. 5 of 1985 on the Civil Transactions Law (UAE Civil Code), which helps protect trade secrets by setting rules on contract obligations and penalties for breaking those contracts.
02. Federal Decree Law No. (15) of 2020 Concerning the Penal Code, specifically Article 379, making it a criminal offense to disclose secrets obtained through employment or professional relationships without consent
03. Federal Decree by Law No. (33) of 2021 Concerning Regulating Labour Relations, reinforcing the confidentiality obligations of employees.
04. Federal Decree Law No. (11) of 2021 Concerning the Regulation and Protection of Industrial Property Rights, that defines ‘Undisclosed Information’ in section six.
Understanding these laws is fundamental to leveraging your trade secrets and formulating an enforcement strategy in case of breach.