Where to Register a Trademark in the UAE

In the UAE, all trademark registrations are managed by the Ministry of Economy (MoE). This government body handles the protection of intellectual property rights, including trademarks.

To register a trademark, applicants must use the MoE’s e-services portal, which facilitates online submission of documents, payment of fees, and tracking of applications from start to finish.

Trademark Eligibility and Registrable Elements in the UAE

Trademark registration in the UAE is open to both local and international applicants. UAE nationals, locally registered businesses, foreign companies operating in the UAE, and applicants from countries with reciprocal agreements are all eligible.

Individuals (natural persons) and companies (legal entities) may apply, as long as they are involved in economic, technological, or service-based activities.

Registrable trademarks include names, words, logos, letters, numbers, symbols, images, product packaging, and even specific colors or combinations. Any unique sign that distinguishes a product or service from others in the market may qualify for protection.

However, trademarks that include geographic terms, currency symbols, honorary titles, misleading elements, or content that violates public order or morality are not permitted.

Required Documents

To file a trademark application with the MoE, you must submit a complete set of documents. These typically include:

• A clear image or logo of the trademark (PDF or JPG)
• Trade license or certificate of incorporation (for companies)
• Passport copy or Emirates ID (for individuals)
• Power of Attorney, if an agent is involved (must be notarized and legalized if foreign)
• List of goods/services, organized under the Nice Classification
• Applicant information, including name, nationality, and address
• A priority document, if claiming rights based on a previous foreign application

Ensure all documents are accurate and up-to-date to avoid delays or rejections.

How to Register a Trademark: Simple Steps

Registering a trademark in the UAE involves a few structured steps, but the process is straightforward when approached methodically.

Here’s a simplified breakdown to help you get started with confidence.

Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search

Before starting your application, visit the Ministry of Economy’s e-services portal to perform a trademark search. This ensures your proposed trademark isn’t already registered or pending approval by another applicant.

Conducting a search helps you avoid duplication, legal conflicts, and unnecessary rejection. It’s a crucial first step in establishing a unique identity for your brand in the UAE market.

Step 2: Prepare the Application

After confirming your trademark is available, begin assembling your application. You’ll need to prepare the trademark logo in an accepted format (PDF or JPG), your trade license or personal ID, a Power of Attorney (if using an agent), and a list of goods or services under the Nice Classification.

Make sure all applicant information is accurate and aligns with the legal requirements.

Step 3: File the Application Online

Log in to the MoE e-services portal to submit your application. Upload the required documents, complete the digital form, and pay the official filing fee.

Once submitted, the system will generate a reference number so you can track the status of your application through the various stages of processing.

Step 4: Examination by the Ministry

The Ministry of Economy will conduct a thorough review of your application to ensure compliance with UAE trademark regulations.

They’ll check for conflicts with existing marks, assess the distinctiveness of your trademark, and determine whether any prohibited or misleading elements are present.

If issues are found, you may be asked to make amendments or respond to objections.

Step 5: Publication in the Gazette and Newspapers

If the application passes the examination stage, the trademark is approved for public disclosure. It will be published in the UAE Trademark Gazette and two local newspapers.

This begins a 30-day opposition period, allowing third parties to challenge the registration if they believe it infringes upon their rights or causes market confusion.

Step 6: Certificate Issuance

If no objections are raised within the opposition window or if any are resolved in your favor, the MoE will issue the Trademark Registration Certificate.

This certificate officially grants you exclusive rights to use the trademark in the UAE for 10 years, with the ability to renew the registration for additional 10-year terms as needed.

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Trademark Renewal Process

Trademark protection in the UAE lasts 10 years from the date of registration. To continue protection, the trademark must be renewed:

• File a renewal during the final year of validity via the MoE portal.
• Provide the trademark number and class, and pay the applicable renewal fee.
• A 3-month grace period is allowed after expiry, but with late fees.
• The renewal is published in the official gazette for transparency; no opposition period is involved at this stage.
• After 30 days from publication, a renewal certificate is issued.

Timely renewal helps ensure uninterrupted legal protection.

Fees Summary (as of 2025)

Trademark registration involves multiple stages, each with associated fees. Here’s a breakdown of the standard costs for one class:

FEE DESCRIPTION	AMOUNT (AED)
Filing fee	756
Publication in a trademark journal	756
Registration fee	5,036
Professional fees (typical)	750
Total (one class, excl. extras)	7,298

The official MoE fee is AED 6,509 (approx. USD 1,773). Additional costs may apply for translation, legal services, objections, appeals, or late renewals, so budgeting slightly above the base figure is advisable.

Legal Protection and Enforcement

Once registered, a trademark gives its owner exclusive rights to use it for the listed goods/services within the UAE. This legal protection allows the owner to:

• Stop others from using similar or identical marks.
• File legal actions, including cease and desist notices or lawsuits in court.
• Claim damages in case of trademark infringement.

The UAE is a member of the Madrid Protocol, which means you can also apply for international trademark protection using a single filing. However, maintaining protection requires regular renewals and proper use of the trademark in the market.

Let Menaherald professionals handle the complexities, so you can focus on growing your business with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Modify My Trademark After Registration?

No, once a trademark is registered in the UAE, it cannot be changed or edited in any way. If you wish to update the logo, wording, or design, a new application must be filed.

What Is Trademark Infringement?

Trademark infringement is the unauthorized use of a registered or similar mark that causes public confusion. It can lead to legal action, including warnings, complaints, or lawsuits by the rightful trademark owner.

How Long Does It Take to Register a Trademark in the UAE?

The trademark registration process generally takes four to six months if there are no major objections. This timeline includes examination, public announcements, the opposition period, and final certificate issuance.