UAE – March 25, 2026
In a move aimed at enhancing service efficiency and supporting business continuity, the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has issued Administrative Decision No. (2) of 2026, introducing a temporary extension mechanism for the submission of legalized documents in trademark applications.
Key Highlights of the Decision
The Intellectual Property Sector has approved temporary extensions for trademark services in cases where applicants are unable to obtain required legalized documents within the prescribed deadlines.
- The standard deadline for submitting legalized Powers of Attorney (POA) remains 90 days.
- Upon expiry of this period, applicants may be granted monthly extensions.
- Additional 30-day extensions may be requested by contacting the Trademark Office before the expiry of the granted period.
- Importantly, no additional official fees will be imposed for these extensions.
Objective: Enhancing Flexibility & Business Continuity
The decision reflects the Ministry’s commitment to:
- Improving customer satisfaction
- Enhancing the efficiency and quality of IP services
- Supporting business continuity for applicants facing documentation delays
Applicants are encouraged to submit all required documents as soon as they become available, ensuring compliance with filing requirements and avoiding unnecessary delays.
Practical Impact for Trademark Applicants
This temporary measure provides significant relief for:
- Foreign applicants facing delays in document legalization
- Businesses operating across jurisdictions with complex notarization requirements
- IP agents managing multi-country filings
The extension mechanism ensures that trademark applications can proceed without interruption while allowing applicants additional time to complete formal documentation requirements.
Official Statement
The decision was issued under the authority of Dr. Abdulrahman Al Muaini, Assistant Undersecretary of the Intellectual Property Sector, and comes into effect as of March 25, 2026.
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