Your brand is your identity, especially if you run a multinational business. When you register trademark in the UAE, you protect your business identity. This trademark helps you avoid copying, unauthorized use, and more that costs your customers and brand image. But how do you get trademark registration for your brand identity components?
In this post, we will focus on the importance of trademarks and the trademark registration process in the UAE. Whether you want to register trademark in Dubai or Abu Dhabi or somewhere else, this guide is made for you. Got questions? Get in touch with us today!
What Is Trademark Registration In The UAE?
Trademark registration protects your identity of your brand such as your name, logo, slogan, jingle, announcements and more. After registration, you will be the only person who can use that mark for the goods or services listed in your application. If you are a foreigner, you are required to appoint a trademark agent for registration.
The Ministry of Economy handles the trademark registration in the UAE under the UAE Federal Decree Law No. 36 of 2021 (source). You can register a trademark in the UAE under the Nice Classification System, offering 45 classes.
Why Is Trademark Registration Important?
Your name, logo, titles and other branding elements are business assets. So, like any other property, it requires special protection as well, like trademark registration.
Exclusive Ownership Of Brand Elements
In the UAE, when you register a trademark you become the exclusive owner of your brand elements. Depending on your trademark registration application, you may use these items in your products and services.
Legal Protection
If you register your trademarks, you have the legal right to sue, seek injunctions and claim damages if your trademarks are copied or misused.
Build Your Brand Credibility In The Market
A registered brand trademark helps you create a credible brand image in the eyes of customers, business partners and investors. It helps you to grow your business efficiently.
Avoid Conflicts With The Competitors
With trademark registration, you can avoid competitors copying you or misusing your brand name.
Renewable In 10 Years
The trademark certifications in the UAE are valid for 10 years. You can renew them after this period to extend their validity and get the benefits.
What Can Be Trademarked In The UAE?
The following is the list of brand elements that you can trademark under the UAE trademark law:
- Word Marks: Brand Names, Slogans, and Taglines without any graphic elements
- Figurative Marks: Logos, Graphic Design Elements, Symbols, Shapes, and Icons
- 3D Marks: Product shapes and packaging
- Sound Marks: Audio jingles or sonic logos
- Color Marks: Distinctive color combination associated with your brand
- Individual Marks: Differentiate goods and services from a particular company
- Collective Marks: Used by members of an association or group
- Certification Marks: Indicating quality standards or origin
What Cannot Be Trademarked In The UAE?
A registered trademark is a unique and legal identity. Therefore, it is vital to know what can’t be trademarked in the UAE.
The following are a few things that you can’t get trademarked:
- Generic and descriptive words or signs for goods and services
- Any religious symbols, terms, and verses
- National flags, emblems, and official symbols
- Names or logos of other international organizations are used misleadingly
- Marks contrary to public order or morality
- Deceptive marks that can confuse consumers
How To Register Trademark In The UAE?
The following is a step-by-step guide to register trademark in the UAE:
Trademark Research
The first step in trademark registration is to search for similar trademarks in your desired classes. For this, you should search for the trademark database. This helps you save time and avoid future trademark rejections. Focus on the Nice Classifications that you want to use for trademark registration.
Choosing The Right Classification
There are 45 categories of goods and services used. Each class has a different application/fee. Selecting the right classes will make sure you are fully protecting your branding asset. 365 Days PRO Services team will assist you in choosing the right class for your trademark.
Prepare Required Documents
A number of documents pertaining to you, your company, and the trademark must be submitted as part of the trademark registration procedure. The list of documents you might require is provided below:
- Clear copy of the trademark
- Trade license if you are a business
- Passport copy if you are an individual
- Valid document for a power of attorney if you appoint an agent
- List of goods or services with class number
Apply For Trademark
Submit your trademark application in the UAE through the official Ministry of Economy e-services portal. Applications can also be filed through authorized trademark agents. Double-check all your information to avoid application rejection.
Examination And Approval
Once the submission is done, the Ministry of Economy will examine your application to verify that it meets all the requirements. This is one of the most time-consuming steps. If there is any problem, you’ll receive a notification to respond.
Publication Of Trademark For Opposition
If your application is approved, it will be published in the UAE Official Gazette. Anyone can object to any conflict with your trademark for 30 days. If there are no third-party objections, your application moves forward to the final stage.
Trademark Registration Certification
Your formal Trademark Registration Certificate is issued by the Ministry of Economy after the successful handling and completion of all phases. Your trademark in the UAE is valid for 10 years from the date of application. It can be renewed before its expiry.
365 Days PRO Services can provide you with the insights needed to register a trademark in the UAE. Contact us to know more.
Conclusion
If you want to build your brand image in the UAE’s competitive market, you need to register your trademark. Trademark registration in the UAE can help you gain ownership of your brand elements and provide legal protection against their misuse. It is also useful in building your brand image. You can trademark specific words, designs, sounds, color combinations, 3D shapes, and more. You can register your trademark with an easy online procedure. Contact 365 Days PRO Services to know more about the trademark registration process.
FAQ
How long does trademark registration take?
Cross-checking against already-registered trademarks, publishing to make sure there are no objections, and issuing the certificate are only a few of the numerous phases in the trademark registration process. As a result, obtaining trademark registration certification takes four to six months from the date of application submission.
How long is the trademark valid in the UAE?
The registered trademarks are valid for 10 years. The trademark holder can get it renewed after these 10 years are over for continued benefits.
Who can register a trademark in the UAE?
Both UAE residents and foreign individuals or companies can register a trademark in the UAE. There is no requirement to hold a UAE trade license to file a trademark application, though UAE-based businesses must submit a trade license as part of their documentation. Foreign applicants must file through a registered trademark agent based in the UAE.
Is the UAE trademark registration valid across all Emirates?
Yes, the trademark registration and certificates are valid throughout the Emirates because the Ministry of Economy issues them. Thus, you can get national protection if your trademark is misused.