UAE Trademark Registration Requirements

Setting up your UAE business is exciting. But you must protect your brand name. The rules can seem complex and scary. In this article, we will simplify the entire process. We break down all you need to know.

Register Your Trademark

Basic Trademark Requirements

Your trademark must meet several important rules. The Ministry of Economy checks every application. Make sure your mark is eligible for approval.

Your Mark Must Be Unique

You must have a distinctive and unique trademark. It can’t copy or resemble other brands. And this helps you stand out in the market.

What Works Well:

• Creative names like “Souq” for e-commerce.
• Made-up words that are easy to remember.
• Logos with unique and special designs.
• Names that suggest the service indirectly.

What Gets Rejected:

• Generic terms like “Dubai Café”.
• Simple descriptions such as “Quick Service”.
• Names that sound too similar to famous brands.
• Common industry words everyone uses.

You Must Use It in Business

Your trademark needs a real business behind it. Remember, you can’t reserve a name for future hopes. UAE law requires active commercial use. Therefore, you need a valid trade license because this proves your business is active.

No Conflicts with Existing Rights

Most rejections happen due to existing marks. Someone may already own similar rights. So, always check for conflicts first. We recommend searching the official UAE trademark database. You can also hire experts for a full trademark search.

What You Can and Cannot Register

UAE law is specific about what qualifies. Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 outlines the rules. Knowing them saves you time and money.

What You Can Register

• Business names and slogans.
• Logos and graphic designs.
• Letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Distinctive colors and patterns.
• Product packaging designs.
• Brand sounds or jingles.
• 3D shapes and holograms.

What You Cannot Register

• The UAE flag or government logos.
• Religious symbols used improperly.
• Red Cross or Red Crescent emblems.
• Flags or emblems of other countries.
• Offensive or immoral content.
• Geographic names that mislead customers.
• Images of national medals or currency.
• Copies of famous international brands.

UAE Trademark Required Documents Checklist

Getting your paperwork right is crucial. Missing documents cause major delays. Use this checklist to prepare your application.

• Clear Trademark Image (High-resolution PDF/JPG)
• List of Goods/Services (by Nice Classification)
• Completed Application Form
• Power of Attorney (if using an agent)

For UAE Companies:

• Valid UAE Trade License Copy
• Emirates ID of Authorized Signatory

For Foreign Companies:

• Notarized & Legalized Power of Attorney
• Passport Copy of Managing Director
• Legalized Certificate of Incorporation

UAE vs. Foreign Applicant

Requirement	UAE Company	Foreign Company
Direct Application	Yes, you can apply directly.	No, must use a UAE agent.
Power of Attorney	Simple notarization is enough.	Must be notarized and legalized.
Trade License	UAE trade license required.	Home country incorporation proof.
Scrutiny Level	Standard examination.	Higher legal scrutiny applied.

The Step-by-Step Registration Process

The registration journey has clear stages. It usually takes four to six months. Follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search

Before applying, check if your name is free. Use the Ministry of Economy’s database. A professional search is highly recommended.

Step 2: Prepare Your Application

Fill out the online form on the Ministry’s website. Upload all your required documents.

Step 3: Choose the Right Class

Select the correct categories for your brand. The Nice Classification has 45 classes. There are 34 for goods and 11 for services.

Step 4: Submit and Pay Fees

Upload your files and pay the government fees. The initial cost is about AED 1,500.

Step 5: Ministry Examination

An examiner reviews your application, and this takes about 30 days. They check for conflicts and legal issues.

Step 6: Official Publication

If approved, your mark is published. It appears in the official gazette. It also appears in two local newspapers.

Step 7: Opposition Period

Others have 30 days to object to your mark. If someone opposes, you must respond legally.

Step 8: Receive Your Certificate

With no opposition, you get your certificate. Your trademark is now officially registered.

Estimated Timeline

Month 1	Application Filing & Examination
Month 2	Approval & Publication in Gazette
Month 3	30-Day Opposition Period Ends
Month 4	Final Fees Paid & Certificate Issued
Total Time	Approximately 4 to 6 months

Costs and Fees of Trademark in the UAE

Knowing the costs helps you budget. Fees are paid at different stages.

Fee Type	Government Cost (AED)	Important Points
Application Filing Fee	750	Paid at submission.
Publication Fee	750	Paid after initial approval.
Final Registration Fee	5,000	Paid after the opposition period.
Total Government Fees	6,500	Per class.

Potential Additional Costs

• Professional Agent Fees: AED 750 to AED 1,500
• Translation Services: AED 200 to AED 500
• Document Legalization: AED 300 to AED 800+
• Responding to Opposition: AED 2,000 to AED 5,000+

Your Rights After Trademark Registration

A registered trademark is a powerful asset. It gives you exclusive legal rights. You can protect your brand identity. Your rights include:

• 10 years of exclusive use in the UAE.
• The right to renew it forever.
• Power to take legal action against copycats.
• Ability to stop counterfeit imports.
• The option to license your brand to others.
• Freedom to sell or transfer your trademark.
• A path to international protection (Madrid Protocol).

Important: You must use your trademark. If unused for five years, the authorities will cancel it.

Common Rejection Mistakes

Avoid these common errors. They can cause rejection or long delays. Proper preparation is important for success.

1. Choosing a Descriptive Name. “Tasty Burger Dubai” is descriptive. It will likely be rejected. Be creative.
2. Skipping the Trademark Search. This is a risky mistake. Always search first to find conflicts.
3. Picking the Wrong Class. Classifying your goods incorrectly voids the application.
4. Using Poor Quality Images. Submit a high-resolution file of your logo. Blurry images cause issues.
5. Submitting Incomplete Documents. Double-check all paperwork. Missing items halt the process.

Examples of Trademark Case Studies

A Dubai entrepreneur wanted to open “Nourish”. A search showed a similar name existed. They changed it to “Nourish & Flourish”. They added a unique wheat logo design. The new mark was approved in four months. It is now a recognized healthy food brand.

A UK tech firm entered the UAE market. Its agent handled the complex paperwork. The agent ensured all documents were legalized correctly. “Innovate Tech” was registered within six months. It successfully stopped a local company from using a similar name.

FAQs About Trademark Requirements

How long does a UAE trademark last?

Your trademark protection lasts for 10 years. You can renew it indefinitely after that.

Can a foreign company register a trademark?

Yes. However, they must use a registered UAE-based trademark agent. Direct applications are not allowed.

What happens if someone objects to my trademark?

You must file a legal response within 30 days. It is best to hire a lawyer to handle oppositions.

Can I register my trademark in Arabic and English?

Yes. You can file for both. Each language version is a separate application.

Do I need a trade license before applying?

Yes, a valid trade license is a primary requirement. It proves you are using the mark commercially.

What is the Madrid Protocol?

It is an international system. It helps you register your trademark in multiple countries. You can do this through one application.