Trademark Filing & Protection

Trademark registration is governed by Federal Law No. 36 of 2021. The process begins with a comprehensive availability search, followed by a formal application to the Ministry of Economy setting out the mark, its classification, and a description of its features. The examiner assesses distinctiveness, non-conflict with earlier marks, and non-offense to public morality; successful applications are published for a 3-month opposition window before registration for a renewable 10-year term.

Registration typically takes 6-12 months and costs are modest — Ministry fees of roughly AED 250-350 per class plus attorney fees. International protection is available through the Madrid Protocol, letting a single WIPO application extend cover to 170+ countries, though it depends on a UAE base registration filed first.

Beyond registration, owners must actively police and enforce rights or risk losing them to genericisation. Enforcement includes customs recordal, cease-and-desist letters, marketplace takedown requests, civil litigation, and — for serious counterfeiting — criminal complaints.

What We Offer

Comprehensive trademark searches assessing availability and risk of conflict before filing

Strategic filing covering all relevant product/service classes and important brand variants

International trademark protection via Madrid Protocol for businesses operating globally

Prosecution and examination support, including overcoming Ministry objections and opposition

Enforcement and portfolio management including customs recordal, monitoring, and litigation support

Who this applies to: Brand owners and entrepreneurs protecting their brand identity; FMCG and retail companies building product brands; hospitality, fashion, and luxury goods providers; franchisees and franchisors protecting shared brand assets across multiple locations.

Common questions

Trademark Filing & Protection FAQs

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Whoever files first at the Ministry of Economy owns the rights, regardless of prior use — unlike ‘first-to-use’ systems. File proactively before launch, and use the 12-month priority window from a home-country filing where relevant, since there is no earlier date to claim if you file in the UAE first.

Typically 6-12 months across application, examination, publication, a 3-month opposition period, and registration. Delays usually stem from examiner objections, slow applicant responses, or third-party opposition — a properly prepared application and prompt responses minimise delay.

Generally not on its own — descriptive marks lack distinctiveness. Options include adding a distinctive logo or stylisation, proving acquired distinctiveness through extensive use, or choosing an inherently distinctive mark from the outset.

Submit your registration certificate, product photographs, and a recordal application with a modest fee; once approved, Customs can inspect shipments, seize suspected counterfeits, and notify you of suspicious imports for follow-up.

You lose all registered rights after the 10-year term, exposing the mark to registration by a competitor. Track renewal dates and file at least 6 months before expiry — renewal is simple and inexpensive if done on time.

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