Russian
English
Total fee
from 4900 USD
Additional class
from 4900 USD
Trademark Registration in UAE
The United Arab Emirates is considered one of the most developed countries in the world. Thanks to successful economic diversification, the state has significantly reduced its dependence on oil exports and has become an attractive location for many large international corporations.
It is worth considering that the process of registering a trademark is accompanied by certain peculiarities. The UAE does not have a multi-class system, meaning that it is not possible to register one trademark for several Nice classes. To ensure brand protection in different classes, it is necessary to submit separate applications for each of them.
Who needs a trademark (TM) in the UAE?
Trademark registration in the UAE is important for:
- International companies operating in the UAE — without registration you risk losing the rights to your brand.
- Franchise owners — local legislation requires mandatory registration of TM for franchising operations.
- Luxury goods manufacturers — Dubai is a major re-export hub, increasing the risk of counterfeiting.
- Startups in the field of technology and innovation — especially relevant for companies participating in programs such as Dubai Future Accelerators.
- Online businesses targeting the MENA region — even if you don't have an office in the UAE, registering your TM will protect you from cybersquatting.
Why do you need a trademark (TM) in the UAE?
- Legal monopoly — only you can use the brand in all the 7 emirates.
- Protection against re-export of counterfeit goods — UAE customs will block counterfeits under your brand.
- Opportunity to participate in government tenders — many large projects require a registered TM.
- Simplification of banking operations — a registered TM increases the trust of financial institutions.
- Domain Name Protection — allows you to challenge cybersquatting domains in the .ae zone.
TM Registration Procedure in the UAE
Basic requirements
The main law in this area is Federal Decree - Law No. (36) of 2021 ON TRADEMARKS. This document provides for the following provisions:
- A trademark is any object (such as names, words, signatures, letters, symbols, numbers, addresses, stamps, images, engravings, packaging, graphic elements, colours or combinations thereof, various formats of designations) that enables goods or services to be distinguished on the market. Sounds and smells may also act as trademarks.
- The following are not subject to registration: designations without distinctive characteristics; expressions contrary to public morality or order; state symbols; signs similar to religious symbols; geographical names and information that may mislead consumers; personal data of an individual without appropriate permission; information about a title or academic degree without supporting documents; signs that are a copy or imitation of famous works. Details on trademarks prohibited from registration are specified in Article 3 of this law. It is impossible to register a well-known brand within the country for similar products without an application or consent of the owner of the original brand.
- The registration procedure is standard: filing an application, checking it, publishing it in the official publication (to allow interested parties to file objections) and issuing an official certificate. The validity period of the latter is 10 years from the date of filing the application, after which the term can be extended.
Registration process
To register a trademark, you need to go through several steps:
- Conducting a comprehensive TM check.
- Preparation and submission of an application for registration.
- Payment of relevant duties and fees.
- Monitoring of the application before its registration. The Ministry of Economy will consider your application within 30 days. In case of refusal, there is an opportunity to appeal or make corrections.
Law&Trust will help you through the registration procedure. We will also place a notice in official Arabic publications, and after approval, publish the relevant information in the official journal and two Arabic-language newspapers.
Our services for trademark registration in the UAE
Law&Trust International offers a comprehensive solution:
- Full brand audit — risk analysis and recommendations for adapting the name to the local market.
- Advanced search — checking not only the federal registry, but also the databases of individual emirates.
- Document preparation — including professional, correct translation into Arabic, considering cultural specifics.
- Legal support — representation in the UAE Ministry of Economy at all stages.
- Violation Monitoring — program for detecting counterfeit products after registration.
- Extension of rights — reminder and support for renewal 6 months before expiration.
Registration in the UAE requires a deep understanding of local legal and cultural specifics. 68% of initial refusals are due to non-obvious violations of local regulations. We recommend entrusting the registration process to professionals with experience in the GCC region.
F.A.Q.
Is it possible to register a trademark in the UAE that contains elements of Arabic calligraphy?
Yes, but there are some caveats. The calligraphy must be a unique composition, not standard handwriting. In addition, it is necessary to provide a vector image with clear contours. The sign must not contain hidden religious symbols or quotes from the Koran. It is recommended to register it as a graphic image, and not as a verbal designation.
How are 3D marks and packaging registered in the UAE?
Registration features:
- It is necessary to provide 6 projections (front, back, top, bottom, left, right).
- The 3D element must be distinctive, not functional.
- The packaging is registered as a combination mark.
- The average time for examining 3D signs is about 30% longer than usual.
Is it possible to register a sound mark in the UAE?
Formally, it is possible, but a musical notation or a digital spectrogram is required. The sound must be absolutely unique. In practice, the Ministry of Economy rejects about 92% of such applications. An alternative is registering a logo with a musical staff as a combined sign.
How does the "one class" principle work in the UAE system?
Unlike many countries, the duty is charged for each class separately. It is possible to specify an unlimited number of goods/services in one class. Examination is carried out independently for each class.
