Non-Dom Alternatives
Our Of Counsel in the UAE, Carmen Kiavila, has written about the recent abolition of the UK’s non-dom tax regime and explores alternative tax-friendly jurisdictions for high-net-worth individuals, notably Italy and the United Arab Emirates.
Louis Vuitton vs Van Cleef & Arpels
In a landmark ruling reaffirming the balance between design protection and fair competition, the French Court of Cassation sided with Louis Vuitton, stating that Van Cleef & Arpels’ iconic four-lobed motif lacks the distinctive features required for monopolization.
“LOVE” In a Dainty Trademark Battle
“LOVE” is a ubiquitous term that could belong to anyone until Cartier made it theirs in the jewelry realm.
Lebanon on the FATF Grey List: Navigating Investment Security in Challenging Times
Lebanon’s inclusion on the FATF grey list is a defining moment for businesses, investors, and financial institutions. While challenges like increased scrutiny, reputational risks, and stricter regulations loom large, there are clear paths to adapt and thrive. Whether you’re operating locally or globally, now is the time to stay informed and act strategically. Read more to prepare for the road ahead.
Revolutionizing the Saudi Business Landscape: New Commercial Registration and Trade Name Laws
No more complicated CR processes or branch-by-branch bureaucracies. From Arabized trade names and pre-incorporation protections to the streamlined Single National Commercial Registration (SNCR), these updates unify the commercial registry, simplifying company tracking and management like never before by encompassing all branches and replacing the previous requirement for separate registrations per branch.
Chanel Slingbacks are back in the spotlight—not on the Runway, but at the center of a legal battle over claims of “Parasitism.”
In December 2020, Chanel claimed that Jonak was engaging in Parasitism by creating products that closely mimicked Chanel’s designs, therefore, leveraging Chanel’s established brand image to attract consumers.
Unfair Competition and Eco-Labels
“Green” doesn’t always mean clean!
With the growing wave of eco-friendly claims, misuse of ecolabels has become a pressing issue. Misleading green labels can provoke unfair competition under Article 10bis of the Paris Convention (1883). Signed by 180+ countries, including the UAE, KSA, Kuwait, and Lebanon, this convention is crucial in protecting both consumers and businesses.
UAE Economic Substance Regulations Update
ESR requirements have been cancelled for all financial years ending on or after January 1, 2023.
The legal repercussions of the ongoing events in the Middle East on contractual obligations
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is raising important legal questions around contract enforceability. How do such situations affect contractual obligations and liability? From the legal interpretation of Force Majeure under Lebanese law to the role of good faith, this article unpacks the complex impact of war on contracts and highlights the need for well-drafted Force Majeure clauses to navigate these turbulent times.
American Girl vs Zembrka, A Fight for a Unique Doll Identity
In March 2021, the American dollmaker “American Girl” LLC filed a lawsuit against the Chinese company “Zembrka,” accusing them of counterfeiting and trademark infringement.