Trademark registration in the UAE (United Arab Emirates) is the most important thing the enterprises or individuals should give priority before doing business the country.
The UAE (United Arab Emirates), commonly known as the United Arab Emirates, consists of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi (acting as the capital), Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain. Thanks to the UAE’s world-class business infrastructure, investors and entrepreneurs from around the world often choose this place to start their business. To be successful, one of the most important factors a company needs to have is the international trademark registration to avoid being copied or violated.
Principles of trademark registration in the UAE
There are many benefits from trademark registration in the UAE, such as trademark protection, brand protection, and the assurance that other companies cannot copy or imitate the trademark of the trademark owner. The Industrial Property Office under the Ministry of Economy is the country’s official regulator of trademark registration, renewal, and cancellation.
Who can register trademarks in the UAE?
In accordance with the revised 1992 Federal Law on Trademarks, the following individuals can register their trademarks in the UAE:
- UAE citizens and natural and legal entities engaged in commercial, industrial, professional or service business;
- Foreigners and natural and legal entities engaged in commercial, industrial, professional or service business;
- Foreigners and natural and legal entities that practice commercial, industrial, professional or service business in any country on a reciprocal basis;
- Other legal entities.
What trademarks can be registered in the UAE?
There are certain restrictions to keep in mind when registering trademarks in the UAE. If you wish to register a trademark in the territories of the United Arab Emirates, that trademark may not contain any of the following prohibitions:
- Violating public morals and religion;
- Public symbols (such as flags);
- Symbols such as the Red Cross and the Red Crescent;
- The name or title of the third party;
- Direct translation of other well-known brands;
In addition, there may be additional restrictions on what a trademark owner can include in his or her trademark.
Documentation required for trademark registration in the UAE
To register trademarks in the UAE, trademark owners need to fill out an online registration form on the website of the Ministry of Economy – the official body that administers trademark applications.
Also, the applicant needs to submit the relevant documents to successfully register a trademark in the UAE, including:
- Trademark template
- Trademark symbols
- Copy of Commercial License
- Authorization letter
- Copy of passport
- Detailed product/service catalog
- Priority documents (if any)
Other documents may be required on a case-by-case basis. Once the required documents have been uploaded, the applicant can submit the application to apply online.
Trademark registration process in the UAE
- When a trademark application is filed, the application is examined to consider the possibility of registration.
- Trademark applications accepted by the Appraisal Agency will be published in the Official Gazette as well as in two local daily newspapers in Arabic and the gazette supplemented with the trademark assessment body.
- Any third party can file a request to oppose the registration of a trademark within 30 days from the date of publication.
- If there is no objection, the trademark will be protected and a title of protection, also known as the Registration Certificate, will be issued.
You can find the list of UAE IP firms here.