UAE
Trademark Registration Process

01.   INITIAL TRADEMARK SEARCH

Securing a trademark in the UAE starts with a crucial first step: conducting a comprehensive trademark search. At Mahtta & Co., we are committed to ensuring a smooth trademark registration process by offering a thorough search service for your proposed mark. This helps assess its registrability and minimizes the risk of rejection.

Before applying, it is essential to verify that your desired trademark is not already in use. This involves a search through the Ministry of Economy’s trademark database. The official search results will reveal if there are existing trademarks similar to yours. If no conflicts are found, it indicates a higher likelihood of approval for your brand name or trademark.

  Eligibility For Trademark Registration in U.A.E.

  • UAE Citizens: Both individuals and businesses engaged in technology, economy, or service sectors can apply.
  • Foreign Individuals & Entities: Any foreign person or company operating in these fields is eligible.
  • Foreign Entities on Reciprocity Basis: If a foreign entity’s home country has reciprocal trademark agreements with the UAE, they can register their trademarks in the UAE.

02.   PREPARING YOUR APPLICATION

Once the initial search confirms the availability of your mark, the next step is preparing the application.

To streamline the process, the following details are required:

- Trademark name, logo, or visual representation
- Applicant’s full name
- Applicant’s nationality and address
- Copy of trade license
- Power of attorney
- Passport copy
- Priority document (if applicable)
- List of goods and services covered under the trademark

FEES

The government charges AED 8,700 per class for filing a trademark application. This fee is separate from any service charges for handling the registration process.

03.   FILING YOUR APPLICATION

Once all required information and documents are gathered, we proceed with submitting your trademark application to the UAE Ministry of Economy.

Upon submission:
  • You will receive a trademark application number.
  • You can track the status of your application using this number on the Ministry’s website.

Important Note: Once the application is filed, the trademark name and goods listed cannot be changed. Therefore, it is essential to ensure accuracy when preparing the submission.

04.   INSPECTION OF APPLICATION FORM

After submission, the Ministry of Economy carefully reviews the application to ensure compliance with UAE trademark laws.

It is critical to provide accurate details during this stage, as any errors may lead to rejection or delays. If there are no objections or issues, the Ministry typically approves the application within 30 days.

05.   Publish an Announcement Newslette in Two Arabic Language Local          Newspapers

Once the trademark application is approved, a public announcement must be made in the Official Gazette and two local Arabic-language newspapers. This serves as a public notice, allowing anyone to oppose the registration within a 30-day period.

The Ministry charges AED 1,000 for publishing the announcement in the official journal.

Additional charges apply for newspaper publication.

If an opposition is raised, the Ministry will review and decide on the case.

Since the Ministry issues notifications only at the end of each month, the final approval process may take up to two months.

06.  REGISTRATION OF THE MARK

If no objections arise during the publication period, the Ministry of Economy grants full rights over the trademark.

A Certificate of Registration is issued, containing:
  • Registration number
  • Trademark details
  • Trade name and owner’s information
  • Covered goods and services
After receiving the certificate, you can legally use the ® (Registered Trademark Symbol) to establish ownership and protection of your brand.

07.  TRADEMARK VALIDITY

Trademark protection in the UAE lasts for 10 years from the date of registration. However, it is essential to note that this protection only applies within the UAE and does not extend internationally.

To continue trademark protection beyond the initial 10-year period, renewal is required before the expiry date.

08.  RENEWAL

A trademark renewal process in the UAE closely follows the initial registration process. There is a six-month grace period after expiration, allowing applicants to renew their trademark without penalties.

If renewal is delayed beyond the grace period, a penalty of AED 1,000 per month is charged.

Renewal requires submitting a copy of the previous registration certificate to the Ministry of Economy.

Once the renewal fee is paid, the Ministry processes and renews the registration within 30 days.

Maintaining a registered trademark ensures ongoing legal protection, allowing businesses to safeguard their brand identity in the UAE marketplace.

Secure Your Brand Identity Today!

The UAE trademark registration process involves several key steps, starting with an initial trademark search to ensure availability. Once confirmed, the applicant prepares and files an application with the Ministry of Economy. The application undergoes inspection before being published in local newspapers for public objections. If no objections arise, the trademark is registered and valid for 10 years. Renewals must be completed within a three-month grace period post-expiration, with penalties for late submissions. The process ensures brand protection within the UAE, securing exclusive rights for businesses and individuals.

Get in touch