Your Trusted Legal and Advisory Partner.
Sign In
Copyright Services

Copyright Advisory Services

Copyright ownership is rarely as straightforward as it appears. Works are created by employees, contractors, agencies, and collaborators — each with potentially different ownership claims. We provide expert advisory to ensure your assets are protected, compliant, and commercially viable.

Copyright Ownership Assessment

Disputes over copyright ownership are among the most commercially damaging IP issues facing businesses — and the most preventable. We conduct comprehensive ownership assessments to establish a clear chain of title.

ScenarioDefault Position (UAE)
Employee WorkEconomic rights vest in employer
Freelancer / ContractorCopyright remains with creator
Agency MarketingCopyright retained by agency
Commissioned WorksNo automatic assignment on payment

 

Ownership Audits
We review employment contracts, freelancer agreements, and commissioning documents to identify and remediate ownership gaps before they escalate during M&A or litigation. Ownership gaps discovered post-infringement are significantly more expensive to resolve.

Copyright Licensing Agreements

Licensing is the primary mechanism for monetising assets while retaining ownership. We structure precise agreements covering scope, territory, term, and sub-licensing rights.

Exclusive Licence
Only the licensee may exercise rights; owner may be excluded.
Non-Exclusive
Multiple licensees can use the work simultaneously.
Sole Licence
Only licensee and owner may use the work.

Copyright Assignment Agreements

An assignment is a permanent transfer of ownership. Essential for commissioning creative works, restructuring corporate IP, or acquiring business assets.

Assignments in the UAE are most effective when signed in writing and noted against the Ministry of Economy registration record.

Copyright Compliance Reviews

Systematic assessment of content acquisition and usage. We audit inventories, verify licences, and ensure open-source software compliance.

Open-Source TypeKey ObligationCommercial Risk
Permissive (MIT/BSD)Retain attributionLow
Weak Copyleft (LGPL)Share modificationsMedium
Strong Copyleft (GPL)Disclose sourceHigh
AGPLDisclose over networkVery High

Frequently Asked Questions

Evidence of creation includes dated drafts, version-controlled files, email correspondence about the work, contracts with collaborators, and formal registration records. The earlier and more consistently you document the creation process, the stronger your ownership evidence. We advise on documentation best practice and can assist with formal registration.

Yes. An agreement to assign future copyright works is enforceable in the UAE and most commercial jurisdictions. We regularly draft provisions covering both existing and future works in commissioning and employment agreements.

Under UAE Federal Law No. 38 of 2021, authors have moral rights including the right of attribution (to be identified as the author) and the right of integrity (to object to modifications). Moral rights belong to the author and cannot be assigned, but they can be contractually waived. We advise on appropriate moral rights waiver provisions for commissioning agreements.

An open-source audit reviews all software components in your codebase to identify open-source licences and ensure compliance with their terms. Any technology company using open-source components — which is virtually all of them — should conduct a periodic audit, particularly before a fundraising round, acquisition, or public product launch.

Ready to establish your legacy?

Join over 500+ entrepreneurs who chose Legacy Partners.

Book Free Consultation