Employee Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement Template for United Arab Emirates

The Employee Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement is a crucial document for businesses operating in the UAE that create, develop, or work with intellectual property. This agreement should be implemented at the start of employment relationships where employees may create or contribute to intellectual property during their work. It establishes clear ownership rights, protecting the company's intellectual assets while ensuring compliance with UAE Federal Laws, including Employment Law No. 33 of 2021, Federal Law No. 7 of 2002 (Copyright Law), and Federal Law No. 17 of 2002 (Industrial Property Law). The agreement is particularly important in the UAE's growing knowledge economy and innovation sectors, and can be customized for both mainland UAE companies and free zone entities. It typically covers all forms of intellectual property including inventions, software, creative works, and confidential information.

1. Parties: Identification of the employer and employee, including full legal names and addresses

2. Background: Context of the employment relationship and purpose of the agreement

3. Definitions: Detailed definitions of key terms including Intellectual Property Rights, Works, Inventions, Confidential Information, and other relevant terms

4. Scope of Employment: Description of employee's role and responsibilities related to creation of intellectual property

5. Assignment of Rights: Core provision assigning all IP rights created during employment to the employer

6. Disclosure Obligations: Employee's obligation to disclose all inventions, works, and improvements

7. Assistance and Documentation: Employee's obligation to help secure and protect IP rights, including signing necessary documents

8. Confidentiality Obligations: Requirements for maintaining confidentiality of company information and trade secrets

9. Return of Materials: Obligation to return all materials containing IP or confidential information upon employment termination

10. Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation: Restrictions on competing activities and soliciting customers or employees

11. Term and Survival: Duration of the agreement and which provisions survive employment termination

12. Governing Law and Jurisdiction: Specification of UAE law as governing law and relevant courts for dispute resolution