How to Register a Trademark in the UAE:  Step-by-Step Guide

Developing a unique brand and protecting it through trademark registration is essential for business growth in a highly competitive market like the UAE. Your brand is vulnerable to infringers and counterfeiters and to protect it you need to navigate the UAE trademark registration process seamlessly. 

You need to be aware of the rules governing the UAE trademark process to save your trademark from potential rejection. This ‘step-by-step’ guide will provide you with comprehensive insights on how to register a trademark in UAE.

An Introduction to the UAE Trademark Process

The Trademark Office within the Ministry of Economy (MOE) is the competent authority regulating the UAE trademark registration process. The trademark office has designed a set of standard procedures you must follow to successfully register trademarks in the UAE. 

Trademark Registration for Foreigners and UAE Nationals

Both foreign brands and local brands can register their trademarks in the UAE. However, foreigners can register trademarks only through trademark agents. 

What can be trademarked in UAE?

As per the Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 on Trademarks, you can trademark distinctive names, words, signatures, letters, figures, graphics, logos, titles, hallmarks, seals, pictures, patterns, announcements, packs or any other marks or group of marks. A voice accompanying a trademark is also a part of the trademark in the UAE. 

What can’t be trademarked in UAE?

The following items are not eligible for trademark registration in UAE:

• Descriptive trademarks or marks that are not distinctive
• Trademarks that violate public morals or social order
• Trademarks similar to the flags of countries, international organizations, governments etc.
• Emblems and logos of countries, international organizations, governments etc.
• Logos of the Red Cross or the Red Crescent or any other similar organizations 
• Trademarks of a purely religious character
• Use of Geographic names
• National Medals, International Medals, Banknotes, coins etc.
• A translated version of a well-known mark

How to Register a Trademark in UAE?

This is a step-by-step for the UAE trademark registration procedures:

• Select a strong trademark (avoid generic or descriptive terms)
• Conduct a trademark search to avoid opposition from other parties
• File the trademark application with the UAE Trademark Office
• Registrar examines and issues a decision (Rejection/Acceptance)
• If accepted the trademark will be published in the official gazette
• There is an opposition period of 30 days
• If no opposition from any party, the registrar issues the trademark registration certificate 

Trademark Classes in the UAE

While applying for trademark registration in UAE, you must file the mark under the right classes as per the Nice Classification List. It is an international classification of goods and services that applies to trademark registration. There are 34 classes of goods and 11 classes of services as per the Nice classification. 

Documents Required to Register Trademark in UAE

Applicants must prepare and present the following documents to register their trademarks:

• Power of Attorney for appointing the trademark agent
• Information about the applicant
• List of goods/services for the trademark
• Trademark image soft copy
• Copy of the certificate of incorporation or trade license  (for corporate entities)
• Passport copy of Authorised Signatory (for foreigners) 

Validity of UAE Trademark Registration

The trademark registration in the UAE is valid for 10 years. It can be renewed for successive periods of 10 years by submitting a renewal request. 

Trademark Search Process in UAE

The proposed trademark will be examined to see if it is confusingly similar to an existing trademark. If your trademark is similar to other registered trademarks of other parties, they can oppose your trademark. To avoid this, you can carry out a trademark search before submitting the application.

A trademark search will help you ensure your trademark is available for registration. It will also save you from rejection and costly rebranding.

Timeframe of Trademark Registration 

If your trademark complies with the UAE Trademark Law and the documents are complete and accurate, it may take approximately 4-6 months to get approval for your trademark registration. 

Trademark Monitoring in UAE

Even after registration, your trademark is not safe from infringers. You need to monitor the market actively to identify the unauthorized usage of your trademark. IP firms provide trademark watch services and based on their report you can take appropriate action against the infringers. 

Madrid Protocol in UAE

The UAE is a party to the Madrid Protocol that allows brand owners to protect their trademarks globally. Madrid Protocol, administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), allows you to get international trademark protection,

• By filing a single trademark registration
• By paying only a single set of fees

However, you need to register a trademark in UAE first to get international trademark protection through the Madrid route. 

Cancellation Due to Non-Use

It is advisable to use your trademark actively in the market. Not using a trademark for five straight years can cause the cancellation of your trademark registration. 

Benefits of Registering Trademarks in UAE

Registering a trademark is not a mandatory requirement in UAE. However, trademark registration is essential for the following factors:

• Exclusive rights over trademark use
• Protection from counterfeiters and brand impersonators
• Asset value 
• Additional revenue stream through trademark licensing
• Building brand reputation, brand recognition and customer loyalty

The Robustness of the UAE Trademark Law

The UAE Trademark Law is one of the most efficient IP laws in the world. Recent statistics show that investors show more confidence in the UAE trademark protection system. As per the official data released by the UAE Ministry of Economy, 

• The total trademark registrations in UAE totalled 4,610 in Q1 of 2024
• This marks an increase from the 2,813 registrations during the same period in 2023

Final Thoughts on the Trademark Process in UAE

The success of trademark registration depends upon your level of understanding of the trademark process in the UAE. Brand owners can use this blog as a guideline and follow the steps outlined here to make the UAE trademark process hassle-free. 

Consulting with experienced IP firms can help speed up the trademark registration process and minimise the riks of trademark opposition and rejection. Working with dedicated IP agents or qualified IP attorneys is the best way to safeguard and enforce your IP rights in the UAE. 

If you wish to register a trademark in the UAE drop us an email at [email protected].