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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Federal Law No. 7 of 2002, also known as the Copyright Law, applies in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi like rest of the UAE. This law provides protection to works of literature, art, and science – including written works, computer programs, databases, artworks, musical compositions, sound, and visual broadcasts. Any unlicensed use, duplication, or distribution is viewed as an infringement of copyrights, resulting in possible legal offenses.
There are several situations where you may require legal help in copyright law. Some common situations include when you believe your copyright has been infringed upon, when you need help understanding and navigating the complex legalities surrounding copyright registration, or when you require assistance negotiating and drafting license and assignment agreements. A well-versed copyright lawyer can help you interpret the law, guide you through the legal processes and represent you in court if necessary.
The key aspects of the local copyright law in Abu Dhabi, UAE, are the requirement of originality for protected copyright work, the exclusive economic and moral rights conferred to the creator of the work, the term of protection and the exceptions to copyright infringement. In the UAE, copyright protection applies to original works of authorship from the moment of their creation without the need for registration. However, it's advisable to register the works to assert ownership, especially in infringement cases.
Copyright protection in Abu Dhabi, UAE, generally lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 50 years after the author’s death. However, for movies, TV series, or similar works, the protection lasts 50 years from the year of first public broadcast.
Yes, foreign authors can register for copyright in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The UAE is a member of the Berne Convention, which provides copyright protection for both local and foreign creations.
Penalties for copyright infringement in the UAE can include both fines and imprisonment. The exact penalty will vary depending on the specifics of the infringement.
UAE copyright law does provide certain exceptions for using copyrighted works for personal use, or for educational, research or critical purposes. However, this is subject to specific conditions and does not mean that all educational use is exempt from copyright restrictions.
While not mandatory, hiring an attorney with experience in copyright law can simplify the registration process and provide legal insights to protect your rights effectively.
The Ministry of Economy of the UAE oversees copyright registrations and is a valuable resource for information on copyright protection. The Abu Dhabi Business Center also offers resources and support related to intellectual property rights, including copyright protection.
If you believe you need legal assistance with copyright issues, consider seeking legal advice from an attorney specializing in intellectual property law. They can guide you through the copyright registration process, assist in enforcing your rights, and represent you if your copyright is infringed upon.
