Abu Dhabi store found guilty of using trademark of a renowned online brand

The Abu Dhabi Commercial Court has issued a judicial ruling to stop a local store from infringing a globally renowned trademark in the fashion and e-commerce sector. The store had been using the trademark without permission or a licence.

The case dates back to the time when the company that owns the trademark filed a lawsuit demanding the closure of a store that had used its name and trademark on products, storefronts, advertising materials and online promotions.

This unauthorised usage misled the public into believing that the store was affiliated with the original brand, which only operates online and does not have any physical stores.

After a series of hearings at different levels of the judiciary, the Commercial Court ruled in favour of the trademark owner, confirming their legal right to protect their registered trademark from unauthorised use.

The court emphasised that such infringement constitutes a violation of UAE legislation and international intellectual property rights agreements.

The Court ordered an immediate end to all infringing activities and the removal of the counterfeit trade name from the records of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and all commercial registries across the UAE.

The infringing store was banned from using the brand’s trademarks in any form, including in its trade name, online presence, and on social media platforms.

The store was also told to stop selling any products with these trademarks and to remove all related items, signs and advertising materials.

The judgment was upheld on appeal, and the Court of Cassation, thereby rendering the Commercial Court's decision final and enforceable.

This ruling is of particular significance as it serves to reinforce investor and international corporate confidence in the UAE's judicial system and its rapid response to cases that have a significant economic impact.