Of all the different types of intellectual property rights such as copyrights, trademarks, designs etc., no other intellectual property right signifies ‘innovations’ as ‘patents’ do. In fact, a patent signifies an exclusive right granted to an inventor by the government to the exclusion of all others (including the government) to profit by making, selling or issuing the patented invention for a definite period of time (usually twenty years). Thus, the patent rights in itself have been designed to encourage innovations culminating in useful inventions that prove unique and useful to the society at large.
The UAE has recently issued the Federal Law no. 11 of 2021 concerning the regulation and protection of industrial property rights (‘ the new patents law’). The new patents law has repealed the previous act (Federal Law No. 31 of 2016). The new patent’s law defines the patentability criteria as, ‘a patent shall be granted for each new invention contrived from a creative idea or creative enhancement, forms an inventive step and is capable of industrial application" (Ref: Article 5). Patents are granted in the UAE for a term of twenty years from the date of filing of the patent application.
The International Center for Patent Registration (ICPR), established under the Ministry of Economy, UAE constitutes the competent authority for patent registration. One can initiate a patent search including a prior art search directly with the said ministry. The following point should be kept in mind while initiating a patent search:
It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the existing prior art. Prior art refers to any evidence that your invention is already known. It need not be always take commercial or physical forms but can simply be any evidence that exists at any given point to show that your invention has been previously described or shown by somebody. By completing a critical analysis of the existing prior art, you will be in a better position to understand the patentability of your invention before initiating any further steps. For a patent to be granted in the UAE absolute worldwide novelty is required for the said invention or inventive step.
Conduct both a keyword search as well as a semantic search. A semantic search is more advanced search technique, and includes not only a keyword search, but aims to determine the intent and contextual meaning assigned to the search words.
The new patent law aims to modernize the industry practices in confirmation with the international best practices. Amidst the new changes introduces in alignment with international practices includes the concept of ‘urgent patent applications’ that allow an applicant to request the patent office to accelerate the examination process. Further, patent applications can be submitted in English or Arabic with the added grace period of ninety days being allowed to produce the required document for filing. The ninety days time period starts from the receipt of the official notice requesting for the missing documents (if any) to be submitted to the patent office.
I had the pleasure of consulting with Dr. Hassan AlHais, and I must say the entire experience was exceptional.The reception and meeting area were impeccably clean, quiet, and managed to the highest standards, creating a welcoming and professional atmosphere. View testimonial
Abdullah Client
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I had the pleasure of consulting with Dr. Hassan AlHais, and I must say the entire experience was exceptional.The reception and meeting area were impeccably clean, quiet, and managed to the highest standards, creating a welcoming and professional atmosphere.The customer service was outstanding.. View testimonial
Salam Amir Client
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Dr. Hassan is brilliant. I have been working with him for more than 15 years. His work product and legal advice are of the highest caliber. Competent. Professional. Knowledgeable. Analytical and strategic thinker. Honest. Without exaggerating, Dr. Hassan is the best family litigator in the UAE. Highly recommend.
Abed Awad Client
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I owe the success of my case to Dr. Hassan's diligent approach. He remained focused, put me at ease and always went the extra mile. Dr. Hassan tirelessly put my case in the best possible light and I cannot thank him enough. I would highly recommend Dr. Hassan - I am grateful to him from the bottom of my heart.
Raphael Lauria Manager, FME General Trading
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Regardless of the complexity of the matter I know Dr. Hassan Elhais will consider not only legal strategy but also business practicalities in providing advice and litigation options.
Dr. Massimo Hakim Chairman, Italian Style
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I recommend Dr. Hassan Elhais to anyone who says 'I'm in legal trouble'. I was extremely satisfied with the high standard of his work. He has always been there when I have needed him and I refer all my clients, family and friends to him/his firm.
Manish Gupta CEO, EDS FZE
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Best lawyer in Dubai.
Aigul Beishembieva Client
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Happy with the team of Mr. Hassan Elhais. Knowledgeable on UAE laws and i got the advice i was looking for. Highly recommended!
Mukesh Pandey Client
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Dr. Hassan Elhais was very professional and he listened to my needs. He was very prompt, efficient and always kept me informed. Dr. Hassan Elhais's service was excellent and I would definitely recommend him to friends and colleagues.
James Horsley British Client
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Their team of attorneys are not only highly knowledgeable and professional but also incredibly attentive to the needs of the client. They will provide you with a top-notch service every step of the way. The staffs are friendly, responsive, and always kept you informed about the progress of your case. I highly recommend this for anyone in need of legal assistance.
May Ann Adrias Client
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...the extraordinary effort that has been exerted by the staff, and we specially thank Dr. Hassan Mohsen Alhais. Wishing your continues success & excellence...
H.H. Sheikh Saeed Bin Mohammed Hashir Al Maktoum
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We are extremely happy to note that you won all three cases which we entrusted to you. Your superb handling ensured the result in our favour. We very much appreciate this and feel grateful to you. You not only won the cases, but managed to get the judgement executed without much delay..View testimonial
Chandru Malkani Client
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Dr. Hassan Elhais is among the best legal consultants I have ever worked with. He has an amazing ability to reduce complex issues into a simple concept that non-legal people can understand. He consistently develops innovative litigation strategies that help us to achieve our ultimate legal goals.
Zhuo Liu Client
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I believe everyone should recognize what a difference Dr. Hassan Elhais work has made to people's lives; and especially to our family's life, because we will remain forever grateful to each and every one of his team.
Luis Pozueco Client
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Dr. Hassan Elhais never fears cases that involve exposure and he always gives me his honest assessment of our chances of success, which is invaluable to me.
Bassam Yamout Director, JM Metal Trading LCC
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Dr. Hassan Elhais is a responsible, reputable counsel who operates to high levels of service.
British Client
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Dr Hassan Elhais is responsive, thorough and creative with his advice, and is a valued advisor and legal consultant.
Asma Mattar Manager, Italian Style
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Knowing Dr. Hassan for years now, I can say confidently he is the most trustworthy person I ever met, not only because he is very knowledgeable, smart and has a very high acumen, but also he is very dedicated and buying his clients and interest first..View testimonial
Ahmed Higazy Client
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I have had nothing but exceptional work from Dr. Hassan, all my family and business related legal work goes to him. Having been in and out of Dubai since 2004 and having wasted money on bad legal advice elsewhere, I feel VERY qualified to say that he is absolutely the best in the UAE. Thank you Hassan.
Rich Firth Client
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Dr. Hassan is the best lawyer in UAE I have dealt with, he is very professional and has consistently upheld the highest standards of professional ethics, ensuring that my best interests were always at the forefront. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Hassan to anyone..View testimonial
Hossam ElDeeb Client
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Ex UK Senior management now running a busy business in Dubai that requires bulletproof corporate legal contracts that are customised to our unique needs. This includes everything from HR contracts to complex sales agreements. Dr. Hassan has undoubtedly proven to be the best legal expert we have encountered here..View testimonial
