Dubai Court rejects $100 million claim against US video game company, orders publisher to pay Dhs18.7 million

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

In a landmark ruling, the Dubai Court of Cassation has upheld a lower court’s decision to reject a publisher’s claim for $100 million against a prominent American video game company.

The court also confirmed the publisher’s obligation to pay Dhs18.7 million to the game creator in a complex copyright case involving a popular video game.

The ruling, which concludes a seven-year legal battle, underscores the robust protection of intellectual property rights in the UAE.

The dispute, which began before 2018, centered around the intellectual property rights of the video game and its subsequent updates. The publisher had filed a lawsuit in Dubai after the American company terminated their contract due to alleged breaches.

The publisher claimed ownership of the game and sought compensation, alleging that the American company had wrongfully terminated their agreement.

Represented by Al Omar & Al Sabah Law Firm (OGH) in Dubai, the American company argued that it retained all intellectual property rights to the game and its updates.

Following extensive legal proceedings, which included the appointment of two specialized expert committees by both the Dubai Court of First Instance and the Dubai Court of Appeal, the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the American company, confirming its ownership rights.

The publisher then appealed the decision to the Court of Cassation, which after a meticulous review of the case, rejected the appeal and affirmed the earlier judgments.

The court ordered the publisher to pay Dh18.7 million to the American company, further solidifying the UAE’s commitment to upholding intellectual property rights and the rule of law.

OGH Law Firm hailed the judgment as a significant victory and a reaffirmation of the UAE judiciary's capability to handle intricate copyright and intellectual property disputes, especially those involving advanced technology and multiple jurisdictions, including the USA and France.

“This judgment is a testament to the UAE’s robust legal framework and its commitment to protecting intellectual property rights. It sends a clear message to the global creative community that the UAE is a safe haven for innovation and creativity,” said Sherif Hikal from OGH Law Firm.

The case posed numerous challenges, demonstrating the UAE courts' exceptional ability to navigate complex legal waters and apply the law with precision to ensure justice.

The final judgment by the Dubai Court of Cassation not only protects the rights of the original creators but also reassures global companies of the UAE judiciary's ability to handle complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes effectively.

It also marks the conclusion of a protracted legal battle, providing a clear precedent for similar disputes in the region while highlighting the UAE’s dedication to upholding justice and protecting the interests of creators and innovators, solidifying its position as a leading jurisdiction for resolving intellectual property disputes.