Copyright protects the specific expression of creative, technical, and commercial works — and the scope of that protection varies depending on the type of work and the context in which it is used. Understanding what is protected, how it is protected, and what risks are specific to each work type is the foundation of effective copyright strategy.
This page sets out Legacy Partners' copyright protection advisory for each major category of protectable work, with specific guidance relevant to businesses operating in the UAE, GCC, and international markets.
Copyright protects original works that are fixed in a tangible form — written, recorded, coded, or otherwise expressed. Ideas, facts, and general concepts are not protected; their specific expression is.
Computer software — including source code, object code, and compiled programs — is protected as a literary work under UAE Federal Law No. 38 of 2021 and equivalent legislation across the GCC. Mobile applications are protected as composite works encompassing code, UI design, graphics, and audio/visual elements.
Note: For underlying algorithms, consider patents alongside copyright.
| Website Element | Category | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| HTML/CSS/JS code | Literary work | Document developer agreements |
| Written content | Literary work | Employee vs. freelancer authorship |
| Design & visual layout | Artistic work | Threshold of originality required |
| Photography & images | Artistic work | Licence third-party assets |
| Videos & animations | Audiovisual work | Clarify multi-contributor ownership |
Risks include scraping, unauthorized social media use, and unlicensed database extraction. Strategy includes clear © notices, automated theft monitoring, and registration of high-value digital assets.
Q: Does copyright protect my app's name or logo?
A: Copyright protects the code/art. Names are protected by trademark. We recommend a combined strategy.
Q: Is AI-generated content copyrightable in the UAE?
A: UAE law requires human authorship. Purely AI-generated output is legally uncertain; human creative input must be documented.
Legacy Partners advises businesses on copyright protection for all categories of creative and commercial works. Contact us to protect your assets.
Join over 500+ entrepreneurs who chose Legacy Partners.