Trademark Registration in the UAE: Safeguard Your Brand’s Uniqueness

Every business owner aims for success, and a strong brand identity is crucial. Thus, trademark registration in the UAE is essential to protect unique ideas, logos, or signs that define your brand. Governments worldwide, including the UAE, offer trademark protection to help businesses safeguard their brand assets.

If you want to register a trademark in the UAE—whether it’s a logo, sign, or even a unique voice—this blog will guide you through the entire process. We cover the steps of trademark application in the UAE and provide details on trademark registration UAE costs and fees.

We have also mentioned details related to the trademark’s renewal or cancellation, which might be helpful in the future. 

What is a Trademark? 

A trademark is a special symbol, word, phrase, logo, or design that distinguishes your business’s products or services from others. It ensures that customers can identify your brand, signalling that the goods or services come from your company, not competitors. Trademark registration in UAE protects your brand from others using the same or similar name, logo, or sign without permission. It stops other businesses from copying your brand to sell their products. You can take legal action if someone tries to use your trademark in UAE to confuse customers or damage your business reputation.

Understand The Trademark Class System 

The trademark class system in the UAE organises trademarks into 45 international categories called “classes.” Each class represents a specific type of product or service. When registering a trademark in the UAE, you need to choose the class that best matches what your business offers. You can register your trademark in multiple classes, but selecting only the classes relevant to your business is important to avoid extra costs. 

Types of Trademarks You Can Register in the UAE

Various trademarks in the UAE can be registered to help businesses protect their brand identity and distinguish their products or services. Here are the common types:

• Word Marks: These are names, words, or phrases representing your brand, such as your company name or product name. When registered, no one else can use the same or similar words for similar products or services in the UAE.
• Logos and Symbols: Logos are images or symbols that identify your brand. Registering your logo protects it from being copied. Think of iconic logos like Apple’s logo or Nike’s swoosh. These registered trademarks in the UAE instantly identify the brands and their products globally.
• Signatures and Names: You can trademark your name or signature if it’s tied to your business. This is useful for personal brands, like fashion designers, to stop others from using their names.
• Slogans: Short phrases or taglines that convey your brand’s message can be trademarked. Famous examples include McDonald’s “I’m Lovin’ It.” This protection ensures no one else can use the same slogan.
• Shapes: Unique product shapes or packaging can also be registered. A good example is the Coca-Cola bottle, which is easily recognised by its shape.
• Sound Marks: Sounds or jingles associated with a brand, like the Intel sound, can be registered. This prevents others from using similar sounds for their products.
• Colour Marks: Certain colours can be trademarked if strongly linked to a brand. For example, Tiffany & Co. has a trademark on its unique blue colour.
• Collective Marks: A group or association uses these marks to show that its members meet certain standards. Like cooperatives, all members are allowed to use them.

Register Your Trademark in the UAE

Trademark Registration in the UAE is an essential step to protect your brand. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the trademark registration process:

• Check Availability: Ensure your trademark is unique and not already registered by another company. You can do this by searching the Ministry of Economy’s database or using tools like Marcaria.
• Submit Application: Visit the Ministry of Economy’s website and complete the online application form under the “Trademarks” section. Provide the necessary documents, including your trademark logo, trade license, and list of goods/services.
• Pay Trademark Registration Fees UAE: The total cost for trademark registration in the UAE is AED 10,500, which includes application and publication fees.
• Publication and Objection Period: After approval, you must publish the trademark in two local Arabic newspapers. The public has 30 days to raise any objections.
• Receive Trademark Certificate: If there are no objections, the Ministry of Economy will issue your trademark registration certificate, giving you exclusive rights to your trademark for 10 years.

Perks of Trademark Registration in the UAE

Registering a trademark in the UAE offers several key benefits:

1. Brand Protection: It provides legal protection against unauthorised use, counterfeiting, or duplication of your brand.
2. Exclusive Rights: You gain exclusive rights to use the trademark, assuring no one else can use it for similar goods or services.
3. Increased Brand Value: Trademark registration in the UAE glorifies the brand’s credibility, attracting more customers and investors.
4. Legal Recourse: It allows you to take legal action against infringers, safeguarding your brand’s identity and reputation.
5. Global Expansion: It signals authenticity and can help facilitate business expansion into international markets.

Know Your Trademark Registration UAE Costs 

Trademark registration UAE costs are as follows:

1. Filing Fees: AED 750 for applying.
2. Publication in the Trademark Journal: AED 750 for the official publication.
3. Trademark Registration Fees in the UAE: AED 5,000 to complete the registration process.

Additional costs may apply for legal services, translation, or publication in local newspapers if required. The total trademark registration fee in the UAE is around AED 10,500.

Renew Your Trademark

For trademark renewal in the UAE, follow these steps:

• Visit the Ministry of Economy’s website and select “Trademark Renewal” under the “Modification and Maintenance Services” section.
• You must provide a copy of the original trademark registration certificate and other required documents. After submission, you must pay the renewal fees.
• The trademark renewal UAE fee is AED 5,750. To avoid a fine of AED 1,000 per month, renew within three months of the trademark’s expiry.
• Once you submit the form and pay the fees, the renewal may be processed within 30 days.

The Procedure for Cancelling a Trademark Registration in the UAE

To cancel your trademark registration in the UAE, follow these steps:

Visit the Ministry of Economy’s website.

• Under the “Modification and Maintenance Services” section, select the service “Cancel Registered Trademark By Owner Request.”
• Submit a copy of the original trademark registration certificate and any other documents required on a case-by-case basis.
• In the next window, you will be asked to pay a cancellation fee of AED 1,500. Once you have paid, the cancellation process will proceed.
• After approval, you must announce the cancellation in two local Arabic-language newspapers.

Conclusion

Trademark registration in the UAE is important to protect your brand and make it unique. Whether it’s a logo, name, or slogan, the UAE helps you keep your business safe from being copied. Knowing the steps, costs, and benefits makes it easier to register your trademark and secure your brand. 

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