Intellectual Property 

We understand that the modern business landscape is increasingly shaped by ideas, innovation, and original creations. That’s why our team of legal experts are here to safeguard and optimize your intellectual property, ensuring that your innovations and creativity are legally protected.

Our Comprehensive Intellectual Property Services Include;

IP Strategy: Crafting a tailored strategy to protect your intellectual assets, whether it’s patents, trademarks, copyrights, or trade secrets. We help you identify, register, and manage your IP portfolio effectively.

IP Protection: Assisting you in securing your IP by registering patents, trademarks, and copyrights with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau and internationally, if needed. We ensure your intellectual property is safeguarded from infringement.

IP Enforcement: When our client’s IP rights are violated, we provide a robust defence through litigation or negotiation to protect the client’s interests.

IP Licensing and Commercialization: Maximizing the value of your IP by identifying opportunities for licensing, franchising, and collaborative partnerships, helping you turn your IP into a revenue stream.

Our experienced team of IP lawyers combines legal expertise with a deep understanding of the Ugandan business environment. We are committed to helping you realize the full potential of your intellectual property while adhering to national and international IP laws and regulations.

Data Protection Services

In an age where personal data is highly valuable, we recognize the paramount importance of safeguarding this data. At Meritas Advocates, we stand as sentinels in the ever-evolving digital realm, deeply aware of the critical role data protection plays in preserving the integrity, trust, and longevity of individuals and organizations alike. Our mission is to provide unwavering support and comprehensive legal services that empower individuals and businesses to navigate the intricate landscape of data privacy and security. We among others offer the following services;

1. Data Privacy Compliance:

We specialize in ensuring that businesses adhere to the ever-evolving data protection regulations and compliance requirements. These include:

• Regulatory Assessment: In-depth analysis of applicable data privacy laws and regulations to determine compliance obligations.

• Data Protection Policies: Development and implementation of comprehensive data protection policies and procedures tailored to your specific needs.

• Privacy Impact Assessments: Evaluation of the impact of data processing activities on privacy, with recommendations for risk mitigation.

1. Data Breach Response

• In the unfortunate event of a data breach, the firm equipped with the skill and expertise to provide swift and effective response services, 

• Regulatory Notifications: Timely reporting and communication with relevant regulatory authorities and affected individuals, ensuring legal compliance.

• Litigation: Representation in legal proceedings, if necessary, to protect your interests in the aftermath of a data breach.

1. Data Protection Audits:

Our team conducts comprehensive audits to evaluate and enhance your data protection measures. These audits encompass:

• Data Mapping: Identifying and categorizing the data your organization processes, stores, and transfers.

• Compliance Assessment: Evaluating the effectiveness of your current data protection measures and recommending improvements.

• Employee Training: Providing education and training to your staff on data protection best practices.

We recognize that data protection is not just a legal obligation but a strategic imperative. Our team of dedicated professionals is here to provide you with expert guidance and legal support to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your data. 

In the recent past, we have provided expert guidance to a prominent health and wellness company, assisting them with data protection measures and policy establishment. Additionally, we offered our expertise to a leading insurance company in ensuring the security of their retirement scheme data.

1. Advising an international oil and gas services company on all aspects of procurement, contracting, work permits and national content.
2. Advising a licensee on key aspects of employment and recruitment of expatriate staff 
3. Advising a midsized mining company on disposal of a mineral deposit to an international investor.
4. Advising an oil and gas upstream licensee on the implications of Uganda’s human rights regime on recruitment and employment of expatriate staff in Uganda. 
5. Conducting a regulatory compliance training for one of the upstream licenses in Oil and Gas
6. Currently advising and representing a sub-contractor in a breach of contract claim against an EPC contractor for Kingfisher Development Area. 
7. Advised, incorporated, processed an exploration and production licenses for  Uganda’s sole bentonite mining and processing company. Bentonine is a key mineral used in oil drilling, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics production.