Trademark Registration in Dubai, UAE – Complete Guide 2024

Ever wondered what defines your brand’s identity? It is the name, logo, and other elements that you invest so much time and money into. These components give your brand its unique essence. While setting up a business in Dubai, you may be giving undivided attention to licensing, visa applications, company registration, and more. But have you ever thought about how your brand’s identity could be at risk of being stolen? Your hard-earned brand elements and goodwill can be copied by infringers! That is why it is essential to secure that identity with trademark registration in Dubai, and you should not overlook it. 

We are here not just to inform you but to make you aware of the importance of getting your trademark registered in the UAE. We will tell you everything you need to know about it in 2024 including its requirements, process, and cost. 

What is a trademark in UAE? 

A trademark is a unique form or combination of words, names, letters, symbols, colours, and other marks you create for your brand to give it an appealing visual and emotional presence. It becomes an integral part of your brand’s personality and identity.  

Think of it like this: When you hear the word “swoosh”, what pops into your mind? The iconic Nike logo, right? That is the magic of a trademark. It is like a special stamp that makes your brand unforgettable, which you must protect at all costs.  

What is trademark registration in UAE? 

In the UAE, the government has facilitated businesses to safeguard their unique identity from infringements by getting it registered with the Ministry of Economy. It is worth noting that UAE saw a total of 4,601 new trademarks registered in Q1 2024, rising by 64% as compared to previous year.  

The new Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 issued by the Ministry sets out the process, definitions, and other essentials for trademark registration in the UAE. By getting trademark registration in Dubai, you gain the rights to use and prevent others from using your mark for up to 10 years, renewable for the same period.  

What can be trademarked in UAE? 

According to the Federal Decree-Law No. 36, any form of names, words, signatures, figures, letters, graphics, logos, titles, hallmarks, pictures, seals, patterns, and other such marks can be registered as trademarks in UAE, provided they are meant to distinguish products or to reflect that certain products belong to a particular company or individual who is the owner.  

However, that does not mean that just any mark can be considered a trademark. The law clearly states that the following marks cannot be trademarked in UAE: 

• Marks that violate public order and morals 
• Marks with no distinctive character 
• Red Crescent and Red Cross symbols 
• Symbols with 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. 

Who can get a trademark registered 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. 

Benefits of trademark registration in Dubai: 

Getting your trademark registered means safeguarding your brand’s identity and, on top of that, keeping copycats and imitators at bay. Here are the benefits you can undoubtedly enjoy through your trademark registration in Dubai: 

1. Give your brand identity: The logos, names, symbols, and colours you use for your brand become its signature and make it identifiable. The emotional and physical attributes tell a lot about your brand and play a role in creating how people start associating with it. 
2. Protect your brand: You do not want your brand copied. A trademark registration in Dubai ensures that what is yours, stays yours.  
3. Exercise legal powers: It gives you the legal right to sue those who copy or infringe on your trademark, preventing unauthorized use. 
4. Build goodwill: Having a registered trademark develops authenticity, customer trust, and a protected brand. Moreover, it becomes easier to launch new products under a trademark with an established presence. 
5. Distinguish from competitors: A strong and unique trademark gives you a competitive edge over your competitors, attracting more customers and increasing market share. 
6. Global recognition: Your registered trademark gives your brand recognition and uniqueness, serving as a foundation for global expansion. 

Steps for trademark registration in Dubai, UAE: 

Now, you must be eager to know how to register a trademark for your business setup in Dubai. We have broken down the process for you so that it is easier to understand: 

Step 1 – Start with trademark research: 

Before you start the registration process, you should search and check if that trademark is already registered and being used. If it is, it will not work. Also, as we discussed above, certain marks are prohibited from being trademarks, so check that as well. 

Step 2 – Make an application for the tradename:  

Now that you are satisfied your trademark can be registered, proceed with the registration process. You will need to fill out an application and submit it to the Ministry of Economy. Here is how to apply for Dubai trademark registration online: 

1. Sign up on the MOE official website.
   
2. Under “e-services,” choose “Trademark Services.” 
3. You will see the option “Register Trademark.” Click on Start the Service. 
4. Fill in the required information in the application and attach the supporting documents. 
5. Complete the submission. 

After submitting the application, you will need to pay the trademark registration fee, which is around AED 750. 

Important note: As a foreigner, it is mandatory to submit the trademark registration application through a trademark registration agent authorized by Ministry. Also, in that case you must submit legal power of attorney. 

Step 3 – Wait for the Ministry to review your application: 

Your application will be reviewed by the authorities to check if your trademark application complies with all the legal requirements. You will receive a decision-an approval, rejection, or a request for additional information-within 90 days of submitting the application 

Step 4 – Get the trademark published on Ministry’s official bulletin: 

If your trademark registration application is accepted by the Ministry, it will be published in the official trademark bulletin of the administration before your trademark is actually registered. You will need to pay a publishing fee of AED 750.  

Step 5 – Let the objection period pass by: 

An objection period of 30 days follows the publication of your accepted trademark in the bulletin. During this period, any concerned party may raise an opposition against your trademark registration. If there is an objection, you will have 30 days to reply. There may also be a formal hearing of both parties hosted by the Ministry. If the Ministry suspends or rejects your registration, you can file a grievance with the Grievance Committee within 30 days of that decision. 

Step 6 – Receive the trademark registration certificate: 

Finally, after the objection period ends and you receive the acceptance from Ministry, you will need to 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. The certificate will include the following details: 

• 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. 

If you need any further assistance with the above process, please get in touch with Dubiz Business Setup. 

Trademark protection period in Dubai: 

The validity of the trademark registration, 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.  

Renewal of trademark registration in Dubai: 

For renewal of trademark registration in Dubai, you will just have to submit an application to the Ministry. But remember, if you do not renew it within the stipulated time period, it may even get cancelled. Here are the steps for successful renewal: 

1. Log in on the official MOE website.

2. Choose “Renew Registration of Trademark” under “Trademark Services” in “e-services.” 

3. Complete the application form and attach the necessary paperwork, including: 

• Commercial license (if the company is inside the UAE) 
• Power of attorney (if you are applying through a resident agent) 
• Trademark registration certificate 

4. Make the electronic payment of fees: 

• AED 6,500 if you renew during the protection period 
• AED 7,250 if you renew within 6 months after the expiry date 

5. Your renewal certificate will be issued directly and will be published in the official bulletin. 

Cancellation of the trademark in Dubai: 

If you need to, you can request the Ministry to remove your trademark registration from its registry, either for a part of goods and services for which it was registered or entirely. To cancel the trademark registration in Dubai, you can follow these steps: 

1. Log in on the MOE official website. 

2. Choose “Cancel Trademark Service” under “Trademark Services” from “e-services”. 

3. Complete the application and attach the required documents, including: 

• Trade license (for companies inside the UAE) 
• A valid trademark registration certificate 
• An official letter explaining the reason for cancellation 
• Power of attorney if you are cancelling through a registration agent 

4. Pay the fee of AED 750 for publication in the official trademark bulletin. 

6. The application will be reviewed, and you will receive the final decision. 

Trademark registration UAE cost:  

The total trademark registration cost in UAE as per the Ministry of Economy is AED 6500*. It includes: 

• Application fees: AED 750* 
• Registration fees: AED 5000* 
• Fees for publication in the Ministry’s bulletin: AED 750* 

Other costs can be: 

• Renewal fees: AED 6500* or AED 7250* (as applicable) 
• Cancellation fees: AED 750* for publication. 

Note: Please note that these costs are subject to changes made by the government.  

Let Dubiz guide you with trademark registration! 

Whether it is your business’s name, logo, graphical elements, or anything else, it is very important to get it registered so that no one else can use it. That is why trademark registration in Dubai has become so important. There are so many businesses here, and to be able to distinguish and protect your brand’s identity, you need it. Just make sure you follow the laws laid down by the government, and the process will be quite simple.  

However, if you find yourself stuck, speak to one of our professional consultants at Dubiz Business Setup. We are one of the most trusted trademark registration companies in Dubai and will be more than pleased to help you out. Besides that, we also provide end-to-end services for company formation in UAE. 

Connect with us and find out how we can help you! 

Contact DUBIZ business setup today at +971 562986853 or WhatsApp us at +971 501309366. You can also drop an email at info@dubiz.co for any inquiries.    

FAQs 

1. Who issues trademark registration in Dubai? 

Ministry of Economy is responsible for the issuance, renewal, and cancellation of trademark registration across Dubai and UAE. 

2. What are the benefits of trademark registration in UAE? 

Trademark registration in UAE has many benefits. It allows you to: 

• Define your brand identity 
• Safeguard your brand 
• Exercise legal rights over mark 
• Foster brand goodwill 
• Stand out from competitors 
• Increase brand value 
• Achieve global recognition 

3. What is trademark registration cost in Dubai? 

According to the Ministry of Economy, it will cost you AED 6500* for trademark registration in Dubai. 

4. What is the validity of trademark registration in UAE? 

The validity of trademark registration in Dubai is 10 years, which can be further extended by 10 years. 

5. How to contact the Ministry of Economy? 

You can contact Ministry of Economy easily on their number 800 1222 or you can drop them a mail at info@economy.ae.