The enforcement of copyright law in the United Arab Emirates

• Main Author: Almuaini, Abdelrahman H.
• Published: University of Aberdeen 2009
• Subjects: 340; Copyright
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.509220

This thesis examines copyright enforcement in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).  The objective of the thesis is to determine whether UAE copyright law is enforced adequately.  A related issue is whether reforms are needed in the area of copyright enforcement.  The thesis focuses on the different channels of copyright enforcement in the UAE.  Particular attention will be devoted to court procedures which are often overlooked by copyright scholars.  The remedies available to a copyright owner for copyright infringement in current UAE copyright are to bring a civil action and/or to prompt a criminal prosecution and it will be argued that on the face of it, they may not be suitable deterrents.  The thesis argues that UAE administrative enforcement agencies should enforce copyright effectively because stronger criminal penalties and high damages may deter further infringement. Particular attention is paid to the role of the judiciary and administrative measures in the enforcement of copyright protection.  In order to obtain an accurate picture of UAE copyright enforcement, it is necessary to make a close examination of the obstacles hindering copyright protection in the UAE.  It is hoped that the thesis will contribute to the development of copyright enforcement in the UAE.