UAE Copyright Law Explained: Automatic Protection, Optional Registration, and Global Safeguards under the Berne Convention

Copyright is a legal protection automatically granted to creators of original works from the moment those works are fixed in a tangible form. This includes written texts, music, visual arts, software, architectural designs, films, and more. The protection gives the creator exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, display, perform, or adapt the work.

 

Copyright protection extends only to expressions, not to ideas, procedures, methods of operation, or mathematical concepts as such. Copyright may not be available for certain objects such as titles, slogans, or logos, depending on whether they contain sufficient authorship.

 

Copyright Registration in the UAE

1. Non-Mandatory Nature of Registration

In the UAE, copyright exists from the moment the work is created, without any requirement for registration. Registration is therefore not mandatory under UAE law. Nonetheless, registering a work with the Ministry of Economy can provide official proof of ownership and strengthen the evidence in the event of disputes.

 

2. Applicable Law

• Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021 on Copyright and Neighbouring Rights governs copyright in the UAE, replacing the earlier Federal Law No. 7 of 2002.

• Executive Regulations issued under that law set out the practical rules for registration, application content, and processing procedures.

 

3. Responsible Authority

The authority responsible for copyright registration in the UAE is the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. Applications are submitted through its Intellectual Property/Copyright Registration Service, often via online portals using UAE PASS or similar authentication. Certificates are issued upon successful completion of the process.

 

4. Process of Registration

Below is an outline of how copyright registration works in the UAE for those who choose to register:

 

• Step 1: Preparation

The first stage requires the applicant to prepare all necessary documents. For individuals, this includes valid identity documents, while companies must provide corporate documentation. The applicant must also have a copy or representation of the work ready for submission, along with details such as the title and authorship.

 

• Step 2: Submission of Application

The application is filed online through the Ministry of Economy’s portal. At this stage, the applicant provides information including the title of the work, the name of the author or authors, the date of creation or publication (if any), and other relevant details.

 

• Step 3: Payment of Fees

After submission, the prescribed registration fee must be paid. The official fees are Dh50 for individuals and Dh200 for companies or institutions.

 

• Step 4: Review by the Ministry

Once the application and payment are complete, the Ministry of Economy reviews the submission to ensure that it meets all legal and procedural requirements.

 

• Step 5: Issuance of Certificate

If the application is compliant, the Ministry issues an official registration certificate. The work is then recorded in the official register of intellectual works, providing the applicant with formal evidence of ownership and enhanced protection in potential disputes.

 

5. Timeframe

The registration process typically takes about one to two months from application to the issuance of the certificate, assuming all documentation and details are in order.

 

The Berne Convention

The UAE is a signatory to the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, which it ratified in 2004.

 

• Currently, there are 182 countries that are parties to the Berne Convention.

• As a party, the UAE benefits from the principle that works originating in the UAE are automatically granted protection in all other Berne member states, without the need for formal registration in those foreign jurisdictions. However, enforcement and the details of rights are governed by each country’s national laws.

 

Conclusion

Copyright protection in the UAE provides creators with immediate and automatic rights from the moment the work is created, without any requirement for registration. However, registering the work with the Ministry of Economy is advisable for those seeking to secure clear proof of ownership, especially if enforcement or commercial transactions may follow. Membership in the Berne Convention extends protection beyond the UAE to 182 member countries, making registration a useful tool for creators whose works may cross borders.