A Guide to Trademark Registration In UAE

Protecting your brand in the UAE requires understanding how trademark registration works. This guide covers what qualifies as a trademark, the legal framework, registration steps, required documents, costs, and penalties for infringement. Whether starting a new business or expanding an existing one, this information will help you move through the UAE trademark system.

How do you define a trademark?

A trademark is a type of intellectual property consisting of a recognizable sign, design, or expression that identifies products or services and distinguishes them from competitors.

In the UAE, a trademark can be a name, word, signature, drawing, packaging, or any combination of these elements. The key requirement is distinctiveness. Anything that distinguishes one good from another qualifies, and it must be used in a commercial setting to enjoy protection. Ordinary elements related to a person that do not distinguish them will not qualify as a trademark. Certain public symbols or words also cannot be trademarked, including national flags, official emblems, and misleading geographical indicators.

For example, "Fresh Bread" cannot be trademarked for a bakery because it is purely descriptive, but "Golden Crust Artisan Bakery" with a unique logo design meets the distinctiveness requirement.

Benefits of trademark registration

Registering your trademark in the UAE provides several important advantages for brand protection and business growth.

•  Legal protection and exclusive rights: Registration grants exclusive rights to use your trademark for the specific goods or services registered. No other business can legally use an identical or confusingly similar mark in your category.
•  Nationwide coverage: A registered trademark receives protection across all seven emirates, ensuring brand security throughout the UAE.
•  Legal recourse: Registration provides the legal standing to take action against infringers. Trademark owners can pursue civil remedies, seek injunctions, and claim damages when violations occur.
•  Business asset value: A registered trademark becomes a tangible asset that can be licensed, franchised, or sold. Many businesses generate substantial revenue through trademark licensing arrangements with third parties.
•  Market credibility: The ® symbol demonstrates to customers, partners, and investors that you have invested in protecting your brand. This builds trust and signals a commitment to quality and authenticity.
•  Customs enforcement: Registered trademarks can be recorded with UAE customs authorities, enabling them to seize counterfeit goods at borders before they reach the market.
•  International expansion foundation: UAE trademark registration serves as the first step toward protecting your brand in other GCC countries or globally through international treaties.

UAE Trademark Laws

The UAE has established a detailed legal framework for intellectual property protection. The primary legislation governing trademarks is Federal Decree Law No. 36 of 2021, along with Cabinet Resolution No. 57 of 2022 concerning the Executive Regulations to the Trademark Law. These laws replaced earlier legislation and modernized the system to align with international best practices.

Important aspects of UAE trademark law include:

•  Nice Classification System: The UAE adopted the Nice Classification system through Federal Decree-Law No. 156 of 2021. This international system divides goods and services into 45 classes. Applicants must specify which classes their trademark covers during registration.
•  First-to-file principle: The UAE operates on a first-to-file basis. Using a trademark does not automatically grant rights. Registration is required to secure legal protection.
•  Opposition period: After an application appears in the Trademarks Journal, there is a 30-day window where third parties can oppose the registration if they believe it conflicts with their rights.
•  Duration and renewal: Registered trademarks remain valid for 10 years from the filing date. They can be renewed indefinitely for successive 10-year periods, providing ongoing brand protection.
•  Madrid Protocol membership: The UAE adopted the Madrid Protocol through Federal Decree-Law No. 67 of 2021. This allows businesses to file international trademark applications through a single system, extending protection to multiple countries simultaneously.
•  GCC Trademark Law: As a GCC member, the UAE participates in the GCC Trademark Law, which facilitates trademark protection across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar.
•  Paris Convention: The UAE is a signatory to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. This grants priority rights to applicants who file in member countries within six months of their initial filing.

How to Register a Trademark in the UAE

The trademark registration process typically takes between 6 and 18 months, depending on whether objections or oppositions arise. The process involves these steps:

1.  Conduct a preliminary trademark search: Search the Ministry of Economy's trademark database to verify that your proposed mark is not already registered or too similar to existing trademarks. This search helps assess approval likelihood and avoid conflicts.
2.  Prepare your application and supporting documents: Gather all required documentation, including a clear representation of your trademark, business details, and specifications of the goods or services you want to protect. For logos, prepare high-resolution digital files in the required format.
3.  Submit your application to the Ministry of Economy: File with the Ministry of Economy's Trademark Department. Applications can be submitted in person at ministry offices, through a registered trademark agent, or via the ministry's online portal. The application fee is paid at this stage.
4.  Formal examination by the Trademark Office: The Trademark Office conducts a formal examination to verify the application meets procedural requirements. They assess whether your trademark is registrable under UAE law and check that it is not generic, descriptive, offensive, or confusingly similar to existing marks.
5.  Publication in the Official Trademarks Journal: If the application passes examination, it is published in the Official Trademarks Journal. This publication serves as public notice, allowing third parties to review pending applications.
6.  Opposition period: Following publication, there is a 30-day period where anyone who believes your trademark infringes their rights can file an opposition. If no opposition is filed, or if you successfully defend against an opposition, the application proceeds to registration.
7.  Receive your trademark certificate: Once the opposition period concludes without issues, the Ministry of Economy issues the official trademark registration certificate. At this point, you can use the ® symbol with your trademark and have full legal protection under UAE law.
8.  Maintain and renew your registration: Track your renewal date carefully. Trademarks must be renewed every 10 years to maintain protection. While the Ministry typically sends reminders, the responsibility for renewal rests with the trademark owner.

Documents Required for Trademark Registration

Proper documentation ensures a smooth registration process and prevents delays. The required documents include:

•  Power of attorney: If using a trademark agent or legal representative, a notarized power of attorney is required authorizing them to act on your behalf. For foreign companies, this document typically requires authentication by the UAE embassy in the home country.
•  Trade license copy: A copy of the company's valid trade license issued by the relevant economic department in the UAE is required. The business activities listed on the license should align with the goods or services being protected.
•  Trademark representation: Submit a clear, high-quality image of your trademark. For logos, provide digital files in JPG or PNG format meeting minimum resolution requirements. For wordmarks, specify the exact text and any distinctive font styling.
•  List of goods and services: Include a detailed description of the goods or services the trademark will cover, classified according to the Nice Classification system. Specificity is important because trademark rights will be limited to these categories.
•  Applicant identification: Individual applicants need passport and Emirates ID copies. Companies should provide the certificate of incorporation or commercial registration along with passport copies of authorized signatories.
•  Priority claim documents: If claiming priority based on an earlier filing in another country under the Paris Convention, include certified copies of the original application and proof of filing date.
•  Declaration of use: While not required at the initial filing stage, some applications require a declaration confirming use or intent to use the trademark in commerce within the UAE.

How much does it cost for trademark registration in UAE

Trademark registration costs in the UAE for 2025 depend on several factors, including the number of classes being registered, whether an agent is used, and any additional services required.

The initial application fee is AED 750 per trademark, while the trademark registration fee is AED 5,000. These are the basic official fees charged by the Ministry of Economy. Total government fees vary based on the number of classes and specific requirements.

Agent fees typically add AED 2,000 to AED 5,000 per class, depending on case complexity and the firm's reputation. Many businesses find this worthwhile because experienced agents move through the process more efficiently, conduct thorough preliminary searches, and handle objections or oppositions that arise.

Search fees before filing usually cost AED 500 to AED 1,500. While not mandatory, a professional search significantly reduces rejection risk and identifies potential conflicts early, potentially saving the entire filing fee.

Publication fees for the Official Trademarks Journal are generally included in the basic filing fee, though accelerated publication or special circumstances might add AED 200 to AED 500.

Renewal costs every 10 years run approximately AED 2,000 to AED 3,000 per class, including both official fees and agent charges if one is used.

For a typical small to medium business registering a trademark in two to three classes with professional assistance, the total cost ranges between AED 10,000 and AED 20,000 for the complete registration process. Larger corporations protecting brands across numerous classes might invest AED 50,000 or more, particularly if pursuing international registration through the Madrid Protocol simultaneously.

What are the penalties for trademark infringement?

The UAE enforces strict penalties for trademark infringement, combining civil remedies and criminal sanctions to deter counterfeiters and protect legitimate brand owners.

•  Business closure: Courts may order temporary or permanent closure of establishments engaged in trademark infringement. This applies particularly to retail locations, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities producing counterfeit goods.
•  Seizure and destruction of infringing goods: Authorities can seize counterfeit products, packaging materials, machinery used in production, and marketing materials bearing the infringed trademark. Courts typically order destruction of these items at the infringer's expense.
•  Financial fines: Financial penalties range from AED 10,000 to AED 1 million. Courts consider factors such as the scale of infringement, whether the violation was intentional, and the economic harm caused when determining fine amounts. Repeat offenders and those running large-scale counterfeiting operations typically receive fines at the higher end of the range.
•  Criminal penalties and imprisonment: Trademark infringement is a criminal offense in the UAE. Convicted infringers face imprisonment ranging from three months to three years. Courts assess the severity of infringement and intent when deciding sentence length.
•  Civil damages and compensation: Beyond criminal penalties, trademark owners can file civil lawsuits to recover actual damages. Courts may award compensation for lost profits, harm to brand reputation, and legal costs. Successful plaintiffs have received settlements reaching millions of dirhams in cases involving widespread counterfeiting.
•  Publication of judgment: Courts can order publication of the judgment against the infringer in two local newspapers at the infringer's cost. This public notification serves as both punishment and deterrent while alerting consumers and other businesses.
•  Import and export bans: For infringers attempting to bring counterfeit goods into or out of the UAE, customs authorities can impose bans on future import and export activities. Registered trademark owners can work with customs to proactively monitor and block shipments of suspected counterfeit products.

How can LYLAW help you with trademark registration in UAE?

Trademark registration requires expertise in intellectual property law and understanding of UAE administrative procedures. The process involves technical requirements and potential pitfalls that can affect applications or leave brands vulnerable.

LYLAW's legal team brings specialized knowledge in UAE trademark law and handles registrations across diverse industries. The lawyers at LYLAW conduct preliminary searches that identify potential conflicts, prepare applications that meet Ministry of Economy requirements, and manage the technical aspects of classification, documentation, and filing. When oppositions arise or the Trademark Office raises objections, LYLAW's advocates respond with legal arguments backed by precedent and statutory interpretation.

LYLAW also assists with trademark portfolio management, monitoring for infringement, enforcing rights against violators, and coordinating international protection through the Madrid Protocol and GCC systems. Their services include licensing agreements, franchising arrangements, and trademark transfers. Contact LYLAW to discuss how their trademark specialists can secure and defend your brand in the Emirates.