The Abu Dhabi Commercial Court has issued a ruling to halt the infringement of a globally recognized brand in the fashion and e-commerce sector, following the confirmation of unauthorized use of the brand within a store in the UAE without proper consent or licensing.
The brand owner filed a lawsuit seeking the closure of a store that had utilized its name and trademark on its displayed products, storefront, and advertising materials. Additionally, the store promoted itself on social media platforms, misleading the public regarding the origin of the products and giving the false impression that it was affiliated with the authentic brand, which operates exclusively online without physical retail locations.
The verdict was reached after several hearings in various judicial levels, with the commercial court affirming the brand owner’s rights to protect its trademark from unauthorized use. The court underscored that infringing on registered trademarks constitutes a violation of UAE laws and international agreements regarding intellectual property rights.
The court ordered the cessation of infringing activities concerning the protected trademarks and mandated the removal of the imitated trade name from the records of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and all commercial registries in the country. The infringing store was prohibited from using the trademarks in any form, whether in its trade name or through digital or social media channels, and was required to stop selling any products that bore those trademarks. Furthermore, it had to eliminate all products, materials, signage, symbols, and advertising content that featured the trademarks from its premises.
This ruling was upheld on appeal, and a subsequent challenge in the Court of Cassation was rejected, rendering the commercial court’s ruling final and enforceable.
This decision sets a precedent that strengthens investor and international company confidence in the UAE’s judicial system, showcasing its prompt response to significant economic impact cases.