hi shaim,
if you click on the "search" function of this forum and type in "fakes" or "counterfeit", you'll turn up a slew of threads about counterfeiters who rip off other people's designs for their own profit. that's why companies like hermes, louis vuitton etc. seek help from law enforcement agencies all over the world to crack down on counterfeiters who are in effect, "stealing" their designs.
if you were to eventually outsource the production of your designs to some other company, there is a very real possibility that the designs could be "stolen" or counterfeited if they are good designs and become in-demand.
the good news, if you are going to start small in your own country, is that the uae has legislation in place to help protect holders of intellectual property, such as yourself. it is a member of the world trade organization and has apparently done a lot of work in bringing its intellectual property laws up to international standards.
here are some resources you can look at for general intellectual property rights information that's specific to your country:
http://www.infoprod.co.il/country/uae2d.htm
http://www.managingip.com/?Page=10&PUBID=34&ISS=21645&SID=623671&TYPE=20
and if you scroll down the website below, you will get some email links that you can write to for copyright and trademark information in the uae:
http://www.wipo.int/directory/en/urls.jsp
granted, it may be a while yet before you have to seek copyright protection. but it's always good to have it in mind and to know your rights as a creator of intellectual property.
on another note, chidzuyo above makes a very good point that another way to get started in the business is to join an existing label. however, it is also very likely that any design you create as an employee will be the property of the company, and you might not be able to profit from it anymore if you decide to strike out on your own. i think the point is, there are many paths to your ultimate goal, so persevere, be resourceful and above all -- have fun!
if you click on the "search" function of this forum and type in "fakes" or "counterfeit", you'll turn up a slew of threads about counterfeiters who rip off other people's designs for their own profit. that's why companies like hermes, louis vuitton etc. seek help from law enforcement agencies all over the world to crack down on counterfeiters who are in effect, "stealing" their designs.
if you were to eventually outsource the production of your designs to some other company, there is a very real possibility that the designs could be "stolen" or counterfeited if they are good designs and become in-demand.
the good news, if you are going to start small in your own country, is that the uae has legislation in place to help protect holders of intellectual property, such as yourself. it is a member of the world trade organization and has apparently done a lot of work in bringing its intellectual property laws up to international standards.
here are some resources you can look at for general intellectual property rights information that's specific to your country:
http://www.infoprod.co.il/country/uae2d.htm
http://www.managingip.com/?Page=10&PUBID=34&ISS=21645&SID=623671&TYPE=20
and if you scroll down the website below, you will get some email links that you can write to for copyright and trademark information in the uae:
http://www.wipo.int/directory/en/urls.jsp
granted, it may be a while yet before you have to seek copyright protection. but it's always good to have it in mind and to know your rights as a creator of intellectual property.
on another note, chidzuyo above makes a very good point that another way to get started in the business is to join an existing label. however, it is also very likely that any design you create as an employee will be the property of the company, and you might not be able to profit from it anymore if you decide to strike out on your own. i think the point is, there are many paths to your ultimate goal, so persevere, be resourceful and above all -- have fun!
