Nicole is a Partner and Co-Founder of Abion's UAE Office and has over 15 years experience in the protection, enforcement and commercialisation of intellectual property rights.
Nicole started her IP journey in the UK, where she qualified as a UK Chartered Trade Mark Attorney before moving to the Middle East in 2014. She advises local, international and government clients on trade mark, copyright and design matters across the GCC, with a particular focus on the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Having spent time in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, she has extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with the local intellectual property authorities, including the Ministry of Economy in the UAE and the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP).
While her practice is primarily focused on trade mark matters, she has considerable experience in the protection of industrial designs, regularly advising clients on protecting the shape and appearance of their products. Her clients in this sector include a global after-market wheel manufacturer and a leading retailer of bodycare and fragrance products.
Aside from her day-to-day legal practice, Nicole sits on the Board of the UAE National Group for AIPPI and actively participates in a number of local initiatives to promote the awareness of intellectual property rights. She is also a member of INTA's Trademark Offices Practice Committee, and actively contributes to the Middle East Sub Committee, including liaising with authorities in relation to changes in practice and other developments.
