Mayowa Olusola

I am an associate based in Dubai, advising clients operating in a number of sectors including aviation, education, technology, media and hospitality. My practice covers intellectual property, commercial and corporate matters in the Middle East, with a particular focus on the United Arab Emirates.

I have experience managing IP portfolios of large multinational brands and work with clients to find creative solutions to protect and capitalise on their IP rights. This includes regulatory compliance, licensing, distribution arrangements and enforcement of IP rights globally. I also advise international clients on a range of franchise matters in the food & beverage, sporting and retail sectors across the Middle East and North Africa.

I advise on trade mark registrations, infringements and trade mark disputes. My experience advising on both contentious and non-contentious IP matters is complementary to my corporate practice where I advise clients on acquisitions and disposals of company shares. My corporate practice also involves company formation, joint ventures, due diligence, private equity and fund transactions. During my secondment at a Dubai Government department, I advised on general commercial matters, including collaboration, cooperation and sponsorship arrangements.

I am regularly involved in pro bono work and have volunteered at the DIFC's Pro Bono Clinic since 2018. I am passionate about mentoring ethnic minority lawyers and law students interested in pursuing law. I regularly speak at and run workshops for universities and organisations that promote equality of access and advancement of minority lawyers.

• Acting for international food & beverage companies franchising their brands in the Middle East and North Africa
• Conducting and advising on an intellectual property audit where IP portfolio included trade marks and domain names
• Instructing local counsel on court of appeal matters relating to intellectual property infringement
• Advising on corporate structuring for free zone and LLC entities across the UAE
• Advising a DFSA regulated investment fund on its investment into various startup tech companies, including conducting due diligence and drafting transaction documents