Trademark Registration

Trademark Registration is a crucial process for business owners seeking to safeguard their brand identity. Under UAE Federal Law No. 37 of 1992 on Trademarks, a trademark can encompass a wide range of distinctive symbols, including words, logos, signs, names, designs, pictures, and other unique marks.

Trademarks are essential for differentiating your products, goods, or services and establishing a strong connection with your brand. By registering a trademark, you ensure that your offerings are clearly associated with your business, whether you’re an individual entrepreneur or an organization. This registration helps protect your brand’s reputation and goodwill in the marketplace, reinforcing the quality and uniqueness of your products or services.

UAE Trademark Registration With the Ministry of Economy
To effectively safeguard your brand in the UAE, the initial step is to register your trademark with the UAE Ministry of Economy by submitting your application to the trademark office. However, many businesses overlook additional critical measures needed for comprehensive protection.
While securing a trademark certificate from the UAE Ministry of Economy is essential, it does not fully protect your brand from counterfeiting and unauthorized sales in the grey market. For enhanced security, it is crucial to also register your trademark with Dubai Customs and the Intellectual Property Protection services provided by Dubai Economy.
Once you receive your trademark certificate, ensure you further protect your brand by registering it with UAE Customs and Dubai Economy. This extra layer of registration helps prevent counterfeit goods from entering the market and provides a mechanism to address and report any infringement effectively.

What Cannot Be Registered as a Trademark in the UAE?
In the UAE, certain types of marks are prohibited from being registered as trademarks. These restrictions are designed to prevent confusion and protect public interests. The following are types of marks that cannot be registered:

• Descriptive Marks: Marks that merely describe the goods or services and lack distinctiveness.
• Marks Contravening Public Morals: Any mark that goes against public morals or public order.
• Similar Flags: Marks resembling the flags of countries, international organizations, or governments.
• Emblems and Logos: Marks that are similar to official emblems or logos.
• Symbols of Humanitarian Organizations: Marks that mimic logos of the Red Cross, Red Crescent, or similar organizations.
• Religious Symbols: Marks that resemble symbols of purely religious significance.
• Geographic Names: Use of geographic names that could mislead consumers about the origin of a product or service.
• National and International Symbols: National medals, international medals, banknotes, and coins.
• Confusingly Similar Marks: Translated versions or variations of well-known or already registered trademarks that may confuse consumers.

Trademark Registration Requirements in the UAE
1. For Individual Applicants:

• PDF file of the Trademark
• Scanned copy of your passport
• Complete home address
• Power of Attorney (Notarized by a Notary Public and legalized in the UAE)-

2. For Companies/Businesses:

• PDF file of the Trademark
• Scanned copy of your Trade License
• Scanned passport copy of the Authorized Signatory
• Power of Attorney (Notarized by a Notary Public and legalized in the UAE)

3.  For Foreign Companies:

• PDF file of the Trademark
•  Scanned copy of the Certificate of Incorporation
•  Scanned passport copy of the Authorized Signatory
• Power of Attorney (Notarized by a Notary Public and legalized in the UAE).

These documents are essential for processing your trademark application and ensuring compliance with UAE regulations