United Arab Emirates
Trademark Registration in UAE (AE): Protect Your Brand Across the Emirates
Trademark registration in the UAE gives you the exclusive right to use your brand across the Emirates. Applications are filed with the Ministry of Economy in the UAE under Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 on Trademarks and its executive regulations. The UAE follows a first-to-file system and is a member of the Madrid System. Our trademark consultants handle search, filing and follow-up for businesses in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and abroad.
On this page
United Arab Emirates trademark registration at a glance
- IP office
- Ministry of Economy, UAE trademarks department
- Law
- Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 on Trademarks and its executive regulations
- System
- First-to-file
- Classification
- Nice Classification, edition applied
- Madrid Protocol
- Yes
- Language
- Arabic (mandatory); English may accompany the filing
- Opposition period
- 30 days from publication
- Typical timeline
- x months from filing to registration
- Validity
- 10 years from the filing date, renewable
- Official fees
- AED 6,500 per class to registration
- Power of attorney
- Notarised and legalised
* Timelines assume no objections or oppositions. Laws change, so contact us to confirm current requirements.
Why register your trademark in United Arab Emirates
A registration in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, India or elsewhere does not extend to the UAE.
The UAE is a separate jurisdiction, and it is the hub for trade across the Gulf and beyond, so brands using it as a base or distribution point need their own UAE registration.
First to file wins.
Rights go to the first applicant. A local distributor, importer or competitor can register your brand before you arrive.
A regional business hub.
The UAE is home to a large consumer market, a major free zone and logistics sector, and international brands in retail, hospitality, healthcare, technology and finance. Free zones such as DMCC, JAFZA and DIFC add to that appeal.
Required for enforcement and customs.
Court action, customs measures and licensing agreements all depend on a UAE registration.
Our trademark services in United Arab Emirates
End-to-end support from our licensed in-country attorneys, from the first search to lifelong protection.
Trademark search
Clearance search of the UAE register before you file.
Trademark registration
Class selection, Arabic specification drafting, filing and follow-up to certificate.
Examination response
Replies to objections raised by the Ministry of Economy.
Opposition
Filing or defending oppositions after publication.
Renewal and recordals
Renewals, assignments, licences and changes of name or address.
Trademark watch
Monitoring of published marks for conflicts.
Why choose Legacy Partners Global as your trademark consultants in the UAE
- Dubai office, directly: our Dubai team prepares and files UAE applications and manages them through the Ministry of Economy.
- UAE and India in one team: we coordinate UAE filings with your Indian and UK registrations.
- Opposition and objection experience: we handle the steps after filing, not only the filing.
- GCC planning: we coordinate the UAE with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.
- One point of contact: one team manages your UAE filing alongside your other markets.
A qualified attorney reviews every enquiry within one working day.
Trademark registration process in United Arab Emirates
Here is how to register a trademark in United Arab Emirates, step by step.
Here is the step-by-step process followed for trademark registration in the UAE.
Search and classify (1–3 days)
We search the UAE register for identical and similar marks. We map your goods and services to the correct Nice classes.
File with the Ministry of Economy (same day)
We file with the mark image, Arabic specification and power of attorney. You receive a filing number and date.
Examination 14 days
The Ministry checks formalities, distinctiveness and conflicts with earlier marks.
Reply to objections, if any
If the Ministry objects, we reply with arguments or an amended specification.
Publication and opposition (30 days)
Accepted marks are published in the official journal. Third parties may oppose within 30 days of publication.
Registration and certificate
With no opposition, the mark is registered and the certificate issued. Protection runs for 10 years from the filing date.
Ready to file in United Arab Emirates?
File your trademarkStart your application in a few minutes. Nothing is filed until you approve the written quote.
Documents required for trademark registration in United Arab Emirates
Power of attorney, notarised and legalised (see block 10)
Applicant’s full name, address, nationality and legal form; for companies, a trade licence or commercial registration copy legalised
Clear image of the mark in JPG format (for logos)
List of goods or services, in Arabic
Arabic transliteration of any non-Arabic words in the mark
Priority document, if you claim Paris Convention priority within 6 months of a first filing abroad
Power of attorney requirements for foreign applicants in United Arab Emirates
Foreign applicants in the UAE need a power of attorney that is notarised and legalised. We send a ready-to-sign power of attorney the same day you instruct us, and we advise on the deadline for originals.
Trademark registration fees in the UAE
The Ministry of Economy’s official fees for trademark registration in the UAE are charged per class, and one application can cover several classes.
| Official fee (per class) | AED | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Filing fee | 750 | $204.36 |
| Publication fee | 750 | $204.36 |
| Registration fee | 5,000 | $1,362.39 |
| Total official fees to registration | 6,500 per class | $1,771.11 per class |
Fees last checked: 15 October 2026. The UAE dirham (AED) is pegged at AED 3.6725 to USD 1. Contact us for a fixed written quote for your filing.
Timeline, validity and renewal
A straightforward application takes x months from filing to registration. Office actions or oppositions can extend this further. Registration lasts 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed for further 10-year periods. You can renew in the final year before expiry, and within a 6-month grace period after it with a surcharge.
Governing Law
The UAE has a strong and structured legal system for the protection of intellectual property rights including trademarks. Let us examine the legal system in brief.
Federal Law No. 37 of 1992
This is the foundational law that regulates trademarks and defines trademarks. This law outlines rights and gives shape to enforcement, apart from deciding penalties.
Cabinet Resolution No. 13 of 2022
Embracing the digital platforms for completing trademark registration, this resolution enabled the digital filing of applications through the MOEC trademark portal. Transparency and speed are the outcomes of this resolution.
Madrid Protocol UAE
Being a member of the Madrid Protocol, UAE businesses with UAE trademark registration can register their trademarks internationally through a single application. It is beneficial for businesses planning global expansion.
Trademark Classes UAE (Nice Classification)
The UAE follows the Nice Classification UAE system to manage trademark registration. Under this classification, trademarks are categorised into 45 different classes, of which 34 are for goods and 11 for services.
An important aspect of trademark registration is the selection of the correct trademark classes in the UAE. Expert guidance from a trademark agent in the UAE is crucial for selecting the appropriate class or combination of classes.
Trademark law and IP office in the UAE
Trademarks in the UAE are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 on Trademarks and its executive regulations. The Ministry of Economy examines and registers marks and publishes accepted marks in the official journal. The UAE is a member of the Paris Convention and of the Madrid System. Disputes go to the competent courts, including the commercial courts, and the free zones may have their own courts for matters within their jurisdiction.
Use requirements and non-use cancellation
You do not need to use a mark before filing in the UAE. After registration, an interested party can seek removal of a mark not used in the UAE for a continuous period of five years without a valid reason. Keep dated invoices, packaging, advertising and online listings that show the mark in use in the UAE.
Opposition, objections and appeals
Office objections.
If the Ministry refuses or requests changes, you have x months to reply with arguments or an amended specification.
Opposition.
Any interested party can oppose a published mark within 30 days of publication. The applicant responds, and the Ministry decides.
Appeals.
Decisions of the Ministry can be appealed to the competent authority or court within x days.
Trademark enforcement and infringement in the UAE
A registered trademark gives you the legal standing to stop copycats in the UAE. Without registration, enforcement is slow and uncertain, because rights go to the first filer.
What counts as infringement.
Using an identical or similar mark for the same or similar goods or services, selling counterfeit products, or importing goods bearing your mark without consent.
Your enforcement options
- Cease-and-desist letter: often the fastest way to stop a local infringer.
- Civil action: claim an injunction and damages before the competent courts.
- Criminal penalties: counterfeiting can lead to fines and imprisonment under Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021.
- Border measures: ask UAE customs to stop counterfeit imports.
- Online takedowns: remove infringing listings on marketplaces and social media.
Defending your registration.
Watch published marks and oppose conflicting applications within the 30-day window.
How Legacy Partners Global helps.
Our trademark consultants in the UAE handle evidence gathering, cease-and-desist letters, oppositions and coordination with local counsel.
What to know before filing in United Arab Emirates
National or Madrid.
The UAE can be designated through Madrid; for most applicants we recommend a national filing for full control of the specification.
Free zones.
Confirm whether DMCC, JAFZA, DIFC or ADGM apply any IP rules of their own before relying on a national registration there.
Arabic is the language of the register.
Every mark needs an Arabic transliteration, and goods must be listed in Arabic.
File before you appoint a distributor.
Register before signing with a UAE distributor, agent, franchisee or licensing partner.
Client stories
Businesses that protected their brands in United Arab Emirates with us.
We highly recommends Legacy Partners for trademark registration and intellectual property services in the UAE. Their team demonstrated strong expertise in trademark filing, brand protection, and legal documentation support. The entire process was handled efficiently with excellent communication and professional service.
FelcoTrademark registration in United Arab Emirates
Working with Legacy Partners for our trademark registration in the UAE was a smooth and hassle-free experience for Happy Earth Organics. Their team provided excellent guidance on brand protection, documentation, and trademark filing procedures. We appreciate their professionalism and commitment to protecting our brand identity.
Happy Earth OrganicTrademark registration in United Arab Emirates
* Client stories are shared with permission.
Trademark registration in United Arab Emirates: FAQ
How long does trademark registration take in the UAE?
About 14 days from filing to registration if there is no objection or opposition, and longer if complications arise.
How much does trademark registration cost in the UAE?
Official fees total AED 6,500 per class to registration. Contact us for a fixed written quote.
How long is a UAE trademark valid?
10 years from the filing date, renewable for further 10-year periods.
Do I need a local trademark agent or consultant in the UAE?
We handle the filing either way.
How do I choose a trademark consultant in the UAE?
Check that they file directly with the Ministry of Economy, prepare Arabic specifications, handle oppositions, and quote official and professional fees separately.
Is a Saudi, Qatari or Indian trademark valid in the UAE?
No. The UAE is a separate jurisdiction. You must register in the UAE, nationally or through Madrid.
What can I do if someone copies my trademark in the UAE?
Send a cease-and-desist letter, bring a court action, or ask customs to stop counterfeit imports. Online takedowns help too.
Does the UAE follow first-to-file?
No. But a mark not used for five years after registration can be removed.
Do I need to use my trademark before filing?
No. But a mark not used for five years after registration can be removed.
What language is the application filed in?
Arabic. Foreign-language marks need an Arabic transliteration, and the goods list must be in Arabic.
Can I register a trademark in the UAE through the Madrid Protocol?
Yes. For most applicants we recommend a national filing for full control of the specification.
What documents do I need, and does the power of attorney need notarisation or legalisation?
A notarised and legalised power of attorney. We also need applicant details, the mark image, your list of goods or services, and the Arabic translation.
Insights on United Arab Emirates IP protection
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Register your trademark in United Arab Emirates today
Speak to our trademark consultants in United Arab Emirates. Send your mark and we will reply with a free search and a fixed written quote within one working day.
Reviewed by Ardra Radhakrishnan, Trademark & IP AttorneyLicensed trademark attorney
This page is general information, not legal advice. Official requirements and fees can change; we confirm the current position for your matter before filing.
