Process of Trademark® Registration in Dubai, UAE: How to Shield Your Brand, Logo from Imitators
We Help Businesses to protect their Identity by registering trademark, so you gain exclusive rights to use your brand name, logo, or slogan within the UAE, deterring unauthorized usage and preserving the value of your brand's reputation.
- Exclusive Protection
- Competitive Advantage
- Brand Valuation
- Legal Enforcement
In the dynamic and competitive business landscape of Dubai, UAE, trademark registration stands as an indispensable tool for safeguarding your brand's identity and fostering its growth. By securing trademark protection, you gain exclusive ownership rights over your brand's unique symbols, logos, and slogans, empowering you to combat counterfeiting, Contact Smart Zones® UAE to protect your reputation, and enhance brand recognition.
What is a Trademark?
A trademark, legally registered, is a symbol or word representing a company or product. Its recognizability distinguishes it from competitors. The Ministry of Economy manages trademark registrations in the UAE.
While not obligatory, registering your trademark is vital. Without registration, you lack rightful ownership of your trade name or logo. A trademark comprises unique features like brand name, titles, slogans, symbols, fonts, pictures, packaging, and music jingles.
- Brand name
- Titles
- Slogans
- Symbols and graphics
- Fonts
- Pictures
- Packaging
- Music jingles
Registration includes key details like your name, trade number, product and service information, and the trademark itself.
Importance of Trademark Registration for Businesses in Dubai, UAE
A trademark holds significant importance for your business, providing exclusive rights to the owner for recognized services or goods. Additionally, you can authorize others to use it in exchange for royalties
Trademarks serve as a potent marketing tool for new businesses, helping them announce their presence and establish trust. In the event of trademark infringement, legal action can be pursued in a court of law.
Who is Eligible for Trademark Registration in the UAE?
As per Federal Law No. 37 of 1992 on Trademarks, the following entities are eligible for trademark registration:
- UAE or Arab country citizens, including residents.
- Legal entities established under the laws of the UAE or any Arab country.
- Foreign individuals or companies applying through a registered patent and trademark attorney in the UAE.
What is Not Eligible for Trademark Registration in the UAE?
The UAE authorities prohibit registration of:
- Descriptive or non-distinctive marks
- Marks against public morals or order
- Flags resembling those of countries, organizations, governments
- Emblems and logos of a similar nature
- Logos resembling Red Cross, Red Crescent, or similar organizations
- Marks resembling symbols with a purely religious character
- Use of geographic names causing origin confusion
- National and international medals, banknotes, coins
- Translated versions of well-known or already registered trademarks causing consumer confusion.
Advantages of Trademark Registration in Dubai, UAE
A trademark stands as a pivotal element for any company, distinguishing its products from competitors. The advantages of registering a trademark in Dubai include:
- Security: A registered trademark in the UAE provides business security, allowing companies to use it for obtaining loans from local banks.
- Legal Authority: Owning a trademark in Dubai grants exclusive market authority. Only the trademark owner can trade the protected goods and services, preventing unauthorized trade.
- Independent Existence: A registered trademark ensures a company reaps full benefits from its product sales, unlike those with unregistered trademarks.
- Transferability: Trademark transferability in the UAE facilitates benefits for companies, allowing the transfer of trademarks between entities in Dubai.
Steps for Trademark Registration in Dubai, UAE:
Filing a Trademark Registration Application in the UAE involves several steps:
While not mandatory, it's advisable to check for identical or similar trademarks.
Agents file the application after completing the trademark search. Note: Foreign entities require approved agents in the UAE.
The registrar examines the application according to UAE trademark law.
The registrar issues an order based on acceptance or rejection.
Accepted trademarks are published in two local Arabic newspapers within 30 days. Official fees are paid for publication in the official gazette.
A 30-day opposition period follows the trademark's publication in the official gazette.
If there is no opposition, the application proceeds to final registration fees. The deadline is 30 days from the last day of the opposition period.
Upon payment of final fees, the trademark office issues a softcopy of the certificate, valid for 10 years from the application date.
Engaging a business setup expert familiar with local laws is beneficial. They can assist not only in trademark registration but also in business incorporation, acquiring licenses, and setting up a bank account.
Looking for a seamless business setup experience? Trust Smart Zones® Dubai to pave the way.
Cost Of Trademark Registration in UAE
Cost for Trademark Registration in the UAE is around AED 7,306, covering application form fees, publication in the Trademark Journal, and the registration certificate. Smart Zones® UAE provides full assistance in the streamlined registration process governed by the Ministry of Economy. Submit your application online, pay the necessary fees, and provide the required documents for approval and processing of your brand's Trademark Registration Certificate.
Validity of Registerd Trademark in Dubai, UAE
Upon completing the trademark registration process in the UAE, you secure a long-term validity, typically lasting for 10 years. It is essential to renew your trademark after this period. Please note that this registration applies exclusively to the UAE. Contact Smart Zones® UAE's trademark specialists, and we will handle all procedures for you, including the renewal process after the 10-year validity period.
How to Renew Your Trademark in the UAE
After the 10-year period lapses, trademark holders have a three-month window to initiate the renewal process. However, it's advisable to start the renewal promptly as delaying incurs a monthly fine of 1,000 AED. The renewal procedure closely mirrors the initial registration:
- Visit the UAE Ministry of Economy website and navigate to the "Trademarks" section.
- Choose "Modification and Maintenance services."
- Opt for "Trademark Renewal" from the dropdown menu.
- Complete the application form, attaching your original trademark registration certificate.
- Settle the official fees for a timely renewal within 30 days.
Trademark registration provides exclusive rights, offering protection, competitive advantage, brand valuation, and legal enforcement in a dynamic business landscape.
A legally registered trademark in the UAE includes symbols or words representing a company or product, such as brand names, titles, slogans, symbols, fonts, pictures, packaging, and music jingles.
Citizens, legal entities, and foreign individuals or companies through a registered patent and trademark attorney can apply for trademark registration.
Descriptive or non-distinctive marks, those against public morals, flags resembling countries, religious symbols, and translated versions of well-known trademarks causing consumer confusion are ineligible.
Trademarks provide security for business, legal authority, independent existence, and transferability between entities in Dubai, distinguishing products from competitors.
Steps include trademark search, filing an application, examination, issuance of acceptance or rejection order, publication in local newspapers, opposition period, final registration fees, and issuance of a registration certificate.
The cost is approximately AED 7,306, covering application fees, publication, and the registration certificate. Smart Zones® UAE assists in the streamlined process governed by the Ministry of Economy.
A registered trademark in the UAE is typically valid for 10 years. It's essential to renew the trademark after this period. Contact Smart Zones® UAE for assistance with renewal procedures.
After the 10-year period, initiate renewal promptly to avoid fines. Visit the UAE Ministry of Economy website, choose "Trademark Renewal," complete the application form, and settle official fees within 30 days.
Want to know more, talk to Smart Zones® Dubai advisory team they will be happy to help. Ready to invest in your future?
