Register a Trademark in UAE

How to Register a Trademark in UAE

UAE Trademark registration is one of the major steps for any business to protect brand identity, guarantee exclusive rights, and build long-term market credibility. With the fast-growing business landscape, brand protection has become one of the essential needs for entrepreneurs, startups, and global companies operating in the region. This comprehensive guide explains how to register a trademark in UAE, the process involved, government requirements, fees, timelines, and why trademark protection is important for your business.

What is a Trademark in the UAE?

A trademark is any distinctive sign that identifies your brand and sets it apart from others. It could be a brand name, logo, slogan, symbol, shape, sound, or a combination of these elements. Once registered, the owner of the trademark receives exclusive rights to use the mark across all seven emirates, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain.

Trademarks in the UAE enjoy protection under Federal Law No. 36 of 2021, with strong legal protection available against infringement, misuse, and counterfeiting.

Why Register a Trademark in the UAE?

Many businesses underestimate the value of trademark protection, yet significant advantages come out of registering your brand in the UAE:

• Exclusive Rights
  

  Trademark registration provides complete ownership and exclusive usage rights of your brand identity in the UAE.

• Legal Protection
  

  Trademark Registration UAE protects you from brand imitation, copying, or misuse by competitors.

• Market Credibility
  

  A registered trademark enhances your brand reputation and builds trust with customers.

• Business Expansion
  

  Ownership of a trademark makes it easier to franchise, license your brand, or expand internationally.

• Protection against online fake sellers
  

  A registered trademark helps you remove counterfeit listings from e-commerce platforms.

Types of Trademarks You Can Register in the UAE

Businesses can register various types of trademarks, such as:

• ● Word marks (brand names, words, letters)
• ● Logo marks (symbols, designs, shapes)
• ● Combined marks (logo + brand name)
• ● Slogans.
• ● Sound marks (jingles).
• ● Collective marks (used by associations or groups)

Picking the right type of trademark amplifies your brand protection and fortifies your legal rights.

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

Trademark registration in the UAE is dealt with by the Ministry of Economy, commonly known as MOE. The process is straightforward; however, appropriate documentation and correct classification are absolutely indispensable.

Below is the full step-by-step process:

• Step 1: Perform a UAE Trademark Search
  

  It is required to conduct a UAE trademark search prior to filing an application to ensure that your brand name or logo is not already registered or similar to a registered or pending mark.

A UAE trademark search helps you avoid:

• ● Application rejection
• ● Legal disputes
• ● Trademark objections

Many businesses in the UAE use a trademark consultant to conduct an accurate and expert-level search.

• Step 2: Select the Right Trademark Class
  

  The UAE follows the Nice Classification System, comprising 45 classes:

• ● Classes 1–34 → Goods
• ● Classes 35–45 → Services

Choosing the wrong class can weaken your brand protection or delay approval. Professional help ensures correct classification of your products/services.

• Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents
  

  To register a trademark in the UAE, you need:

• ● Trademark logo (where applicable)
• ● Applicant's passport or Emirates ID
• ● Trade license (for companies)
• ● Power of attorney, if filing through an agent
• ● Priority document, if applicable

Make sure that all documents are clear and according to UAE standards.

• Step 4: Filing the Trademark Application Online
  

  Applications are submitted via the UAE Ministry of Economy portal. The filing form will include information such as:

• ● Description of the trademark
• ● Class number
• ● Applicant information
• ● Logo upload (if applicable)

After submission, you will receive an acknowledgment and application number.

• Step 5: Trademark Examination
  

  The Ministry reviews your trademark based on:

• ● Similarity with existing trademarks
• ● Compliance with UAE trademark laws
• ● Misleading or prohibited elements
• ● Public morality and order

Your trademark will advance to the next stage if it meets the requirements; if not, the Ministry may issue an office action, requiring explanation or modifications.

• Step 6: Publication in the UAE Trademark Gazette
  

  Once approved, the trademark will be published in:

• ● The UAE Trademark Gazette
• ● Two local Arabic newspapers
• ● This publication allows the public to oppose your trademark within 30 days.
• ● Your application proceeds, provided that no opposition is filed.
• Step 7: Final Registration & Certificate Issuance
  

  After the opposition period, the UAE Trademark Registration Certificate is issued by the Ministry. This certificate is legal proof that your trademark is fully protected.

• ● The certificate comprises
• ● Registration number
• ● Details of the owner of the trademark
• ● Trademark image (if logo)
• ● Class and description
• ● Issue date
• ● Validity and Renewal of UAE Trademarks

In the UAE, a registered trademark is valid for 10 years, renewable for indefinite periods. Renewal has to be filed before the date of expiration to avoid surcharges.

How much does trademark registration cost in the UAE?

Fees for trademark registration vary based on:

• ● Filing fees
• ● Publication fees
• ● Registration fees
• ● Consultancy fees, if using a trademark agent

Even though costs may be seen as high, the protection and long-term security of a brand make the investment worthwhile.

Common Reasons for Trademark Rejection in UAE

Applications can be rejected because of:

• ● Similarity with an existing trademark.
• ● Generic or descriptive names.
• ● Offensive or misleading elements.
• ● Incorrect classification.
• ● Missing documents.
• ● Professional help lowers these risks significantly.

Why Hire a Trademark Consultant in UAE?

A trademark attorney can assist in:

• ● UAE trademark search.
• ● Filing the application.
• ● Objection Handling.
• ● Monitoring deadlines.
• ● Ensuring successful registration.

This saves time, avoids errors, and improves the approval rate.

Conclusion

Safeguard Your Brand with UAE Trademark Registration one of the strongest investments you can make in your business is registering your trademark in the UAE. This gives you:

• ● Legal protection.
• ● Market exclusivity.
• ● Long-term brand security.
• ● Competitive advantage.

Whether you are in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or elsewhere across the United Arab Emirates, trademark protection ensures your brand is immune to misuse and imitation. Expert support will speed up the process and make it even smoother and more effective.

Ready to register your trademark in UAE? Get in touch with us at sales@right-trademark.com