How Can I Register a Trademark in The UAE?

Registering​‍​‌‍​‍‌ a trademark in the UAE is a very important step for any company that wants to preserve its brand and operate at ease among competitors. A trademark can be your company name, logo, tagline, or even a unique symbol that is used to identify your product or service. Having a trademark registered means having exclusive rights not only legally but also to an extent that others cannot use or copy your brand.

The trademark registration process in the UAE is under the Ministry of Economy's control and follows a well-defined legal system.

The first most significant and crucial step is to do a trademark search. This search is done to verify whether your turned trademark is already taken or too close to one that already exists. If you do not do it, your application might be rejected, or if the case arises later on, a lawsuit might be initiated; hence it is a very vital step.

If your trademark is not taken, you then file your trademark registration application at the Ministry of Economy. Your application must clearly outline your trademark and state the specific trademark class you want to be protected under. The UAE classifies goods and services based on the International Classification of Goods and Services (Nice Classification). It is crucial to pick the correct class because trademark protection covers only the classes you have registered.

Upon filing, the trademark application undergoes an official scrutiny. At this time, the authorities check if the trademark is in line with the laws of the UAE trademarks and doesn't pose any conflict to any registrant. If everything is up to standard, the application is given the green light to be published.

The trademark registration is approved and trademark details along with the name of the owner are published in the Official Gazette and one or more local newspapers. This is done to allow third parties to file an opposition if they object to the registration of the trademark and if they claim the trademark infringes on their IP rights. If within the set timeframe, no one is opposing or the first opposing party withdraws, then the trademark registration is allowed to enter into the final registration stage. However, in the event of an opposition response, the legal response to the opposition must be lodged.

Upon finishing all the required steps successfully, the trademark registration certificate is released. Your trademark in the UAE will be protected for ten years starting from the application date, after which it can be renewed for the next ten years without a limit. It is necessary to renew the trademark registration on time if you want to enjoy the trademark's benefits continuously.

Besides, using the trademark can prove very beneficial. According to UAE trademark law, the trademark owner can lose the right to the trademark if the trademark has not been put to use for five years without good cause. Frequent use not only bolsters your rightful claim but also prohibits others' misappropriation.

Despite the fact that the process may seem easy on-paper, trademark registration in the UAE still requires going through a series of legal examinations, as well as documentation and deadlines. Hiring competent legal counsel will make it easier, safer, and more accurate to file your trademark application. Besides protecting the trademark, early registration brings your business in the UAE credence and adds to it long-term stability and ​‍​‌‍​‍‌value.