Frequently Asked Questions

A trademark is a sign that distinguishes your goods or services from those of others: a name, word, logo, symbol, design, or a combination of these.

Registration gives you exclusive rights to the mark in the UAE for the goods and services you register. It lets you stop others from using or registering a similar mark, supports complaints against copies, and makes your brand an asset you can license or sell.

No. A trade licence registers your business activity and trade name; it does not register a trademark. Your brand name and logo are protected as a trademark only when they are registered with the Ministry of Economy.

Individuals and companies can apply, including companies in free zones. Foreign individuals and companies apply through a trademark agent registered in the UAE.

Yes. You can register a word mark, a logo, or a combination. A word mark protects the name itself; a logo registration protects the mark as shown in the design.

Search the existing marks before filing. Our free preliminary trademark search compares your name with marks published in the UAE, in Arabic and English, including similar spellings and sounds, and shows related classes.

Marks can be similar in spelling, sound or meaning, including across Arabic and English, especially when they cover the same or related goods and services. Small differences in spelling usually do not avoid a conflict.

It is a preliminary check. It does not replace a legal assessment, and the final decision belongs to the Ministry's examiner. If the search shows similar marks, our team can advise on the risk before you file.

The UAE follows the Nice Classification, which divides goods and services into 45 classes. A trademark is protected only for the classes it is registered in.

Start from what you actually sell or provide, and add the classes you plan to expand into. Our article on choosing the right class explains the common ones.

Yes. Official trademark fees apply per class, so each class added increases the cost. We confirm the total, including official and professional fees, in a quotation.

The mark and logo, the list of goods or services, the applicant's details, a passport copy (individuals) or trade licence (companies), and a power of attorney. Foreign companies usually need the power of attorney notarized and legalized.

Filing, examination by the Ministry, acceptance and publication, a 30-day opposition period, and then registration.

Typically two to three months when no objection or opposition is raised.

Not always, but customers in the UAE often know a brand by both versions. If you use the Arabic version on signs or packaging, consider protecting it too. See Arabic and English trademarks in the UAE.

You can respond to the objection with arguments or by limiting the goods and services. If the application is refused, a grievance can be filed before the Trademarks Committee within 30 days.

After a mark is accepted it is published. Any interested party can oppose it within 30 days from publication. Read more in trademark opposition in the UAE.

If it is still within the 30-day opposition period, you can oppose it. After registration, other options may be available, such as cancellation or an infringement complaint. Contact us quickly, because deadlines are strict.

Do not ignore the notice. Review the grounds and the deadline for your reply, gather evidence of your use, and consider whether limiting your goods or an agreement solves the issue. We prepare opposition replies and appeals.

Ten years from the filing date, renewable for further ten-year periods.

The law gives a grace period of six months after expiry to renew, with an additional fee. After that, the registration can be struck off. See our renewal guide.

Yes. An interested party can request cancellation of a mark that has not been used for five consecutive years without an acceptable reason. Keep evidence of use.

Yes. Similar marks are published in each bulletin, and you have only 30 days to oppose. A watching service compares new publications with your marks so you can act in time.

Yes. The UAE joined the Madrid System on 28 December 2021. A brand owner from another member country can designate the UAE in an international registration. See the Madrid System and the UAE.

Yes, through the Madrid System based on a UAE application or registration, or by national filings in each country. We coordinate filings abroad with our network of associates.

Yes. We accept instructions from IP firms in any country for UAE filings, oppositions, renewals and recordals. See our foreign associates page.

Yes. We file patent applications and PCT national phase entries in the UAE, including Arabic translation, and respond to examination reports. See patents and PCT.

Yes, by registering it as an industrial design. Protection covers the appearance of the product, such as its shape, lines or pattern, if the design is new.

Options include a legal notice, an administrative infringement complaint, market inspections and recordal with customs. See enforcement and anti-counterfeiting.