Trademark registration in Dubai protects your brand’s identity – its name, logo, and other elements that you invest significant time and money into. While setting up a business in Dubai, legal requirements such as licensing, visas, and company registration often take up your entire attention. But have you ever considered how your brand’s identity itself could be at risk of being stolen?
Others can copy your hard-earned brand elements and goodwill. That is why giving your intellectual property rights a legal safety shield is essential.
Quick summary:
- The Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MOET) registers a trademark in Dubai.
- Brand assets like name, logo, tagline, colours, symbols, etc., can be registered as trademarks.
- UAE trade registration validity is 10 years (renewable).
- Trademark law applies uniformly across the seven Emirates of the UAE.
- Cost starts at AED 6,500* (subject to changes).
This comprehensive guide provides detailed insights into trademark registration in UAE, including the step-by-step application process, costs, benefits, and more.
What is a Trademark?
A trademark is a unique form (or combination) of words, names, letters, symbols, colours, and other marks that distinguishes your brand from competitors. It can also be a three-dimensional thing, such as a unique shape, or some non-visible sign like a sound or fragrance.
A trademark becomes the identity of your products and services, giving them an emotional presence. Take this example: When you hear the word “swoosh”, what comes to your mind? The iconic Nike logo, right? That is what trademark does. It makes people remember your brand and recognize it, which you must protect at all costs.
What is Trademark Registration in Dubai?
Trademark registration in Dubai is a legal process that allows companies to protect their intellectual properties from unauthorised use. Businesses can register their trademarks (logos, symbols, names, colours) with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MOET) in all Emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.
By registering your brand assets, you gain exclusive ownership over them. Which means, they get protection against copying, infringement, or counterfeiting. If any party tries to use your trademark, you can legally challenge them.
The new Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 governs trademark registration in the UAE. Trademark registration Dubai remains valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely after paying renewal fees.
What is the Trademark Class System in the UAE?
The UAE uses the Nice Classification System, an international framework for trademark registration. This system divides goods and services into 45 classes, with Classes 1 – 34 covering goods and Classes 35 – 45 covering services. By clearly categorizing goods and services, it helps avoid confusion during trademark registration.
When applying for trademark registration in UAE, you must select the relevant class or classes that accurately match your goods or services.
Importance of Trademark Registration in Dubai
Trademark registration is especially important in Dubai due to the rapid growth of businesses across multiple industries. With so many companies, brands, and startups entering the market, protecting your brand’s identity becomes essential.
Trademark registration in Dubai helps you gain customer confidence and establish credibility in the market. It safeguards your brand from counterfeiting and ensures your business stands out as authentic and trustworthy. In addition, trademark registration Dubai makes it easier to expand into GCC and global markets by providing legal recognition for your brand.
What can be Registered as a Trademark in Dubai?
According to the UAE’s Federal Decree-Law No. 36, any form of branding assets (name, graphics, symbols, etc.) can be registered as a trademark in Dubai if they meet the following criteria:
- Such an asset should be for commercial use, i.e., tied to your business, product, or service.
- It must distinguish products or reflect that certain products belong to you or your company.
The common branding assets that can be registered as a trademark in UAE include:
- Names
- Words
- Signatures
- Figures
- Letters
- Graphics
- Logos
- Titles
- Hallmarks
- Pictures
- Seals
- Patterns
- Other similar marks
What Cannot be Registered as a Trademark in Dubai?
The following marks cannot be registered as trademarks in Dubai:
- Marks that violate public order and morals
- Marks with no distinctive character
- Red Crescent and Red Cross symbols
- Symbols with a religious nature
- Third-party names, pictures, or logos without their approval
- Misleading and false information
- Marks already owned by others
- Marks identical to those already registered by a third party for the same products
- Terms like “concession,” “registered,” “copyright”, etc.
It is recommended to do proper trademark research before initiating the registration.
Who can Apply for Trademark Registration in UAE?
According to the UAE trademark law, the following individuals have the right to get their trademarks registered in UAE:
- UAE citizens, whether natural or artificial persons, who conduct any sort of commercial, professional, or industrial business.
- Any foreigner, whether a natural or artificial person, who conducts commercial, service, professional, or industrial activities in the UAE.
- Any foreigner, whether a natural or artificial person, who conducts commercial, service, professional, or industrial activities in any other country that provides reciprocal treatment to the UAE.
- Other public artificial persons.
Process of Trademark Registration in Dubai
The process of trademark registration in Dubai involves filing an application with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MOET) through its official website, submitting the required documents, and paying the applicable government fees.
Here is how to register a trademark in Dubai (7 essential steps):
Step 1 – Start with trademark research:
Before you start the registration process, you should search and check if your desired trademark is already registered or in use by some other company. Because if that is the case, it will not work. Also, make sure to follow the UAE rules regarding trade names and trademarks. Once you are satisfied that your trademark is law-compliant, you can proceed with the registration process.
Step 2 – Make an application to the Ministry of Economy:
The next step includes applying to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MOET), the official authority processing trademark registration in UAE. You will need to fill out an application and submit it to the Ministry of Economy through their website. Here is how to apply for Dubai trademark registration online:
- Sign up on the MOE official website.
- Under “e-services,” choose “Trademark Services.”
- You will see the option “Register Trademark.” Click on “Start the Service.”
- Fill in the required information in the application on screen carefully and attach the supporting documents, including a copy of the trademark, a copy of the trade license, a power of attorney, a passport copy, etc.
- Submit the application.
Important note: As a foreigner, it is mandatory to submit the trademark registration application through a trademark registration agent authorized by the Ministry. Also, in that case, you must submit a legal power of attorney.
Step 3 – Make payment of fees:
After submitting the application, you will need to pay the trademark examination fee, which is around AED 750. In case you want priority examination of trademark within a day, you must pay a fee of AED 2,250.
Step 4 – Wait for the Ministry to review your application:
After the submission of the application, it will be reviewed by the authorities to check if your trademark application complies with all the legal requirements. You will receive a decision from the authority. They will give you an approval/rejection or a request for additional information. The decision is generally communicated within 20 days of application submission.
Step 5 – Trademark is published on the Ministry’s official bulletin:
If your trademark registration application is accepted by the Ministry, the decision will be published in the official trademark bulletin before your trademark is actually registered. This is done to get a no-objection from the public for trademarked assets. For publication, you will need to pay a publishing fee of AED 750.
Step 6 – Let the objection period pass by:
An objection period of 30 days begins after the publication of your accepted trademark in the bulletin. During this period, any concerned party may raise an opposition against your trademark registration. If an objection is raised, you will have 30 days to respond. There may also be a formal hearing of both parties hosted by the Ministry. In case the Ministry suspends or rejects your registration, you can file a grievance with the Grievance Committee within 30 days of that decision.
Step 7 – Receive the trademark registration certificate:
Finally, after the objection period ends, you will receive the acceptance from the Ministry and must pay the final registration fee of AED 5,000. You will receive your trademark registration certificate within 30 days from the last day of the objection period. You can enjoy the trademark registration for 10 years, renewable upon request.
Here is what a trademark registration certificate in UAE contains:
- Trademark registration number.
- Date of application submission and date of trademark registration.
- Date of expiry of the trademark protection period.
- Your name, surname, address, and nationality.
- Trademark copy.
- Information about the goods and services for which the trademark is registered.
Companies, establishments, and individuals can get their trademarks registered in Dubai by following the above procedure. If you need any further assistance with the above process, please get in touch with our experts at Dubiz Business Setup.
What is Trademark Registration Validity in Dubai?
The validity of the trademark registration in Dubai, or in other words, the period of protection of your trademark from registration, is typically 10 years starting from the date of application submission. This can be further extended for the same period, provided you meet the conditions and requirements.
Benefits of Trademark Registration Dubai
Getting your trademark registered in Dubai safeguards your brand’s identity and, on top of that, keeps copycats and imitators away. Here are the benefits you get through trademark registration Dubai:
Enhances brand identity:
The logos, names, symbols, and colours you use for your brand become its signature and make it easily identifiable. The emotional and physical attributes communicate a lot about your brand, helping people associate with it. It also helps customers differentiate your genuine products from fake ones.
Prevents duplication:
No business owner wants their trade name, brand assets, or logos to be copied. Trademark registration in Dubai ensures that what is yours stays yours. It helps prevent duplication and unauthorised export or import of your products.
Legal enforcement powers:
Brand registration in UAE gives you the legal right to take action against those who copy or misuse your brand’s intellectual property. No other business or individual can use your registered trademark, as you become its sole legal owner.
Builds goodwill:
Having a registered trademark builds authenticity, customer trust, and a strong brand reputation. It also makes it easier to launch new products under a trademark that already has an established presence.
Competitive differentiation:
What separates global brands like Nike from local shoe brands or Crocs from everyday slippers? It is their unique, well-protected trademark and strong customer perception. A registered trademark tells you apart from competitors, helps attract more customers, and increases market share.
Global recognition:
Using the ® or ™ symbol adds brand value and credibility in the eyes of customers. Trademarks also support effective marketing across social media, websites, and advertising channels. This is how global brands like Apple, Amazon, Nike, and Audi have created a lasting presence in consumers’ minds. Furthermore, a trademark registered in a global business hub like Dubai strengthens international visibility.
Trademark Registration UAE Cost
The average trademark registration fees in UAE, as per the Ministry of Economy, is AED 6,500*. The cost of trademark registration is split into various fee, including:
| Application fees: | Registration fees: | Fees for publication in the Ministry’s bulletin: |
|---|---|---|
| AED 750* and AED 2,500 (for expedited processing) | AED 5,000* | Ministry’s bulletin: AED 750* |
