UAE Copyright Laws: Everything You Need to Know

Written By Akshaya Ashok, Reviewed By Retheesh R S

Published on 05/04/2025

Protecting intellectual property (IP) in today's digital age has become more critical. Copyright laws play a vital role in safeguarding the rights of creators, ensuring they receive recognition and financial benefits for their work. In the UAE, copyright laws are robust and aligned with international standards, making it a secure environment for creators and businesses. This blog provides a comprehensive overview of UAE copyright laws, covering the legal framework, registration process, infringement penalties, and more. Whether you’re an artist, author, software developer, or business owner, understanding these laws is essential for protecting your creative works.

What is Copyright?

Copyright is a legal right that grants creators exclusive control over their original works, such as books, music, films, software, and artistic creations. It ensures that creators can monetize their work and prevent unauthorized use or reproduction.

What Can Be Copyrighted in the UAE?

The UAE copyright law protects a wide range of creative works, including:

• Literary Works: Books, articles, reports, and other written content.
• Artistic Works: Paintings, sculptures, photographs, and graphic designs.
• Audio-Visual Works: Films, music recordings, and digital content.
• Software and Databases: Computer programs and compiled data.
• Architectural Designs: Building plans and blueprints.
• Performances and Broadcasts: Live performances and radio/TV broadcasts.

What are the Laws Governing Copyright in the UAE?

The legal framework governing copyright in the UAE is primarily established by the UAE Copyright Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021), which outlines the rights of creators, the scope of protection, and penalties for infringement. Additionally, the UAE adheres to international agreements such as the Berne Convention and the TRIPS Agreement, ensuring global compliance. The Ministry of Economy oversees copyright registration and enforcement. At the same time, the UAE Courts handle disputes and enforcement of copyright claims, providing a comprehensive framework for protecting intellectual property rights in the country.

Copyright Ownership and Duration

Who Owns Copyright?

• Individual Creators: The original creator of the work typically owns the copyright.
• Employers: In works created during employment, the employer may own the copyright unless otherwise agreed.
• Commissioned Works: Ownership depends on the terms of the agreement between the creator and the commissioner.

Duration:

• Copyright protection in the UAE generally lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 50 years from the date of their death.
• For joint authors, the copyright duration is calculated from the date of death of the last surviving author.
• For cinematographic films and other audiovisual works, the copyright duration is 50 years from the date of publication.

What is the Process for Copyright Registration in the UAE?

While copyright protection is automatic upon creation, registering your work with the UAE Ministry of Economy provides additional legal benefits.

For Detailed Copyright Registration Process and requirements Check out:  https://www.reyson.ae/copyright-registration-in-uae

What are the Penalties for Copyright Infringement in the UAE?

In the UAE, copyright infringement occurs when someone uses or exploits a copyrighted work without the permission of the copyright owner. The penalties for copyright infringement in the UAE are as follows:

Penalties:

• Imprisonment for a period of up to 5 years
• Fines range from AED 10,000 to AED 500,000.
• Confiscation of infringing copies and equipment used for infringement
• Closure of the establishment or business responsible for the infringement

Additionally, the copyright owner may also seek civil remedies, including:

• Compensation for damages and losses
• Injunctions to stop the infringement
• Destruction of infringing copies and equipment

It's worth noting that the UAE has strict laws and regulations to protect intellectual property rights, and authorities actively enforce these laws to prevent copyright infringement.

How Does the UAE Protect Copyrights Internationally?

The UAE is a signatory to several international treaties, ensuring global protection for copyrighted works:

• Berne Convention: Provides automatic copyright protection in member countries.
• WIPO Copyright Treaty: Focuses on protecting digital works.
• TRIPS Agreement: Ensures compliance with global IP standards.

UAE copyright laws allow creators to enforce their rights internationally, making it easier to pursue infringement cases across borders.

Conclusion

Understanding UAE copyright laws is essential for creators and businesses to protect their intellectual property and avoid legal disputes. By registering your works and staying informed about your rights, you can ensure that your creative efforts are safeguarded.

For complex copyright matters, seeking professional legal consultation is highly recommended. Reyson Badger offers expert guidance on copyright registration, infringement cases, and compliance with UAE laws. With their support, you can focus on creating while they handle the legal complexities.

Written By

Akshaya Ashok

Akshaya Ashok is a content writer specializing in creating content focused on accounting and auditing. With over two years of experience, she has developed expertise in crafting professional content for the financial sector.