Introduction
Ever made a story, song, or logo and worried about someone stealing it? That’s where copyright helps. Copyright gives you legal rights over your creations. It stops others from using your work without permission.
In the UAE, copyright laws, specifically Federal Decree-Law No. (38) of 2021, protect your work. You get exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and display your creations. This law makes sure your hard work and creativity are safe.
Ready to protect your work? Let’s dive into how copyright registration in UAE can help you.
Table of Contents
What is Copyright?
Have you ever created a story, a song, or even a logo and wondered how to ensure no one else claims it as their own? That’s where copyright comes in. Copyright is a legal right given to creators for their original works, providing them with protection against unauthorized use.
Under UAE Copyright Law (Federal Decree-Law No. (38) of 2021 on Copyrights and Neighbouring Rights), creators hold exclusive rights over their work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, and display their creations. This law ensures your hard work and creativity are legally protected.
What Works are Registered Under Copyright in UAE?
The UAE is committed to supporting creative individuals by offering copyright protection for various types of works. According to Article 2 of the UAE Copyright Law, the following works enjoy protection:
Additionally, the copyright protection covers innovative titles and written innovative broadcast programs. Do you see your creative work listed here? If yes, it’s eligible for copyright protection in the UAE.
What Works Are Not Registered Under UAE Copyright Law?
It’s equally important to know what cannot be copyrighted. According to Article 3 of the UAE Copyright Law, protection does not extend to:
1. Ideas and Concepts: Procedures, methods, mathematical concepts, and principles unless expressed innovatively.
2. Official Documents: Laws, regulations, judicial rulings, international agreements, and similar documents.
3. News and Reports: Purely informative news and reports on current events.
4. Public Domain Works: Unless the effort in compiling or arranging these works is innovative.
So, if you’re thinking about copyrighting an idea or a government circular, it’s not possible under UAE laws.
Who is Eligible for Copyright Registration in UAE
The application for copyright Regsitration in Dubai, UAE can be filed by the following persons:
- The author,
- Rights holder, or
- Any of their successors
- Their agent with duly notarized documents (POA)
Is Copyright Registration in UAE Compulsory?
Copyright registration in the UAE is not compulsory. Your work is automatically protected once you create it. This means you don’t need to register for protection to apply.
However, registering your copyright offers extra benefits. It provides proof of ownership, making it easier to enforce your rights in case of disputes. It also helps if you want to license or sell your work, as it gives official recognition.
So, while registration isn’t a must, it can be very helpful. It’s a strong way to protect your work and ensure your rights are respected.
Steps for Copyright Registration in UAE
Registering your copyright is a detailed but manageable process under the Copyright Law. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: The Copyrights Register
The register contains details about rights, the work itself, and the author. This includes exclusive rights, their scope, duration, and purpose.
Step 2: Application Guidelines
- Each application may only cover one type of work.
- Applications must classify works based on their nature for registration. purposes. Authors, rights holders, or successors can apply for registration.
Step 3: Copyright Registration Process ( Online)
1. Online Submission:
Applications are submitted online via the Ministry of Economy’s website: www.economy.ae.
Under the Ministry of Economy’s e-Services section, select Intellectual Work Services. These services facilitate copyright registration for individual or corporate authors, as well as complaints related to copyright infringement.
Click on the Intellectual Works Rights Registration Service button to proceed.
2. Choose the service from the list of eServices.
- Sign in with UAE PASS.
- Fill in the application data and attach the required documents.
- Pay the registration fee (AED 50 for individuals, AED 200 for companies).
3. Application Review:
The Ministry audits and reviews the application. If the request fulfills all conditions, an updated registration certificate will be issued.
4. Grievances:
If an application is rejected, grievances may be filed within 30 days of the decision.
5. Registration Certificate:
The certificate confirms registration but is not a usage permit. Additional licenses may be required depending on the nature of the work.
Service Fees to Register Copyright in UAE
1. For Individuals: AED 50 per author.
2. For Companies and Institutions: AED 200 per company or institution.
Required Documents
1) For Individuals:
- A copy of the author’s Emirates ID (both sides).
- A letter of authorization to register, if applying on behalf of a group of authors.
2) For Companies and Government Entities:
- A letter of authorization to register.
- A power of attorney for the author or company representative.
Rights of Copyright Owners Under UAE Law
Under the UAE Copyright Law (Federal Law No. 38 of 2021), copyright owners enjoy a range of rights, both economic and moral.
1. Economic Rights
Reproduction:
The right to make copies of the work in any form, including printing, recording, or digital reproduction.
Distribution:
The right to distribute copies of the work to the public, including selling, renting, or lending.
Public Performance:
The right to publicly perform the work, such as in a concert, play, or film screening.
Public Display:
The right to publicly display the work, such as in a gallery or museum.
Communication to the Public:
The right to transmit the work to the public, such as through broadcasting or online streaming.
Adaptation:
The right to create derivative works based on the original work, such as translations, adaptations, or dramatizations.
2. Moral Rights
Attribution:
The right to be identified as the author of the work.
Integrity:
The right to object to any distortion, mutilation, or other modification of the work that would be prejudicial to the author’s honor or reputation. For example, if a filmmaker’s movie is altered to add inappropriate content, they can object to it.
Copyright Protection Period in UAE 2025
According to Article 20 of Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021, copyright protection in the UAE generally lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 50 years after their death.
For works of joint authorship, the duration is 50 years from the death of the last surviving author.
For anonymous or pseudonymous works, the duration is 50 years from the date of publication.
This ensures that creators and their heirs can benefit from their works for a significant period, promoting creativity and innovation.
Penalties for Copyright Infringement in the UAE
Articles 39 to 43 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2021 provide detailed penalties for copyright infringement in the UAE. Copyright infringement in the UAE is a serious offense and is punishable by both imprisonment and fines.
For a first offense, the penalties include imprisonment ranging from 2 to 6 months and fines between AED 10,000 to AED 100,000.
In cases of recidivism (repeated offenses), the imprisonment term can extend from 6 to 9 months, and the fines can increase to AED 100,000 to AED 500,000.
Additionally, counterfeit copies and the equipment used for infringement may be confiscated, and establishments where infringement occurred can be closed for up to 6 months.
These measures underscore the UAE’s commitment to protecting intellectual property rights.
FAQs About Copyright Registration in UAE
No, copyright protection is automatic once your work is created. However, registration strengthens your legal claim in case of disputes.
Copyright typically lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 50 years after their death.
Yes, works created outside the UAE can be registered as long as they meet the requirements under UAE Copyright Law.
You can file a complaint with the Ministry of Economy or take legal action through UAE courts.
Yes, unpublished works are also eligible for copyright registration in the UAE.
Conclusion: Why Copyright Registration Matters
Copyright registration in the UAE, including Dubai, is very important. It helps protect your creative work, whether you are an artist, writer, or software developer. Registering your copyright keeps your rights safe and allows you to take legal action if someone copies your work. By doing this, you ensure that your creations are yours and you can benefit from them.
