Intellectual property

What the team does

This is a recently established practice, started in April 2016. It is a MENA IP practice which operates out of Dubai. Headed by partner, Jon Parker, the team also includes a principal associate and a team of paralegals. With our growing client base and work levels, the practice is in growth mode.

The team members have over 30 years of combined IP experience in the region, and over 45 years of IP experience overall.

It is a full-service IP department, currently best known for trademark, design and patent prosecution, litigation and enforcement work, commercial IP services and strategic regional/global portfolio management. The practice also offers advertising clearance and advice to clients, including high-profile regional advertisements, as well as advice regarding commercialisation of products, including product labelling and registration.

In a very short space of time, the practice has developed, and is undertaking substantial work for a wide range of clients across a broad range of sectors, including leisure and hospitality, F&B, FMCG, automotive, tech, construction and real estate, consumer products, retail, pharmaceuticals and luxury products. Our lawyers are regularly in demand as speakers at IP conferences and events. We also have dedicated IP teams in our Canada, China, Germany, France, Singapore and UK offices.

What it's like to work with us

Gowling WLG has one of the largest and most highly regarded IP practices globally. By joining our Dubai IP team, you will be working in an international environment, working closely with IP experts in our other offices. The team isn't just a prestigious place to work – it's a great place to work.

You will be evolving within a multi-cultural and multi-lingual team: our team members have English, Arabic and French as their mother tongues. These are the main languages throughout the Middle East and North Africa and so ensures that our team members are well placed to service clients throughout the region. Team work and solidarity amongst the team members are the pillars of our work ethic. More importantly, we like to think differently about IP issues, and be creative to meet the specific needs of our clients.

The IP team provides a great learning environment. You will be working with some of the most experienced IP professionals in the UAE to advise a wide variety of clients (from small and medium businesses to global giants) on the full spectrum of IP issues, throughout the region. We also provide weekly IP training sessions.

All team members, regardless of their seniority, are encouraged to take part in business development activities. We will support your business development initiatives and we will help you develop your professional reputation.

We also have a 'buddy system'. This brings together IP associates across our international offices through 'buddy groups', allowing people to make connections and build their networks.