How to Register a Trademark in UAE
Building a unique brand and protecting it through trademark registration is crucial for business success in the UAE’s competitive market. Without legal protection, your brand is vulnerable to infringement and counterfeiting. Navigating the UAE trademark registration process effectively ensures your brand’s security and market exclusivity.
Understanding the UAE’s trademark regulations is essential to avoid potential rejection. This step-by-step guide provides comprehensive insights into registering a trademark in the UAE, helping you safeguard your brand and strengthen its market position.
An Introduction to the UAE Trademark Process
The Trademark Office under the Ministry of Economy (MOE) oversees trademark registration in the UAE. It has established a standardized process that businesses must follow to ensure successful trademark registration and legal protection.
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?
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 on Trademarks, businesses can register distinctive elements such as names, words, signatures, letters, numbers, graphics, logos, titles, seals, images, patterns, packaging, and other unique marks. Additionally, sound elements accompanying a trademark are also eligible for registration 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
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 undergoes an examination to check for similarities with existing trademarks. If it closely resembles a registered trademark, other parties may file an opposition. To prevent this, conducting a trademark search before applying is highly recommended.
A trademark search helps confirm availability, reducing the risk of rejection and avoiding costly rebranding.
Timeframe of Trademark Registration
If your trademark meets UAE Trademark Law requirements and all documents are accurate and complete, the registration process typically takes around 4 to 6 months for approval.
Trademark Monitoring in UAE
Even after registration, your trademark remains vulnerable to infringement. Active market monitoring is essential to detect unauthorized use. IP firms offer trademark watch services, providing reports that help you take timely legal action against infringers.
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
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