We highly recommend working with an IP attorney throughout the application process
to avoid mistakes and increase chances of a successful application.
Their fees can range from AED 1,000-3,000 per hour.
Use our IP Attorney Registry to find a recommended agent to help guide you in your Trademark journey.
Note: Some documents should be submitted in both Arabic and English. Any missing documents should be submitted in accordance with the timeline instructed by the MoEc through official notification. (Generally, 90 days from the notification delivery.)
Trademark Applications in Dubai may be submitted through two entities: the MoEc Trademark Portal, or DED IP Gateway.
To access applications through MoEc, navigate to ‘New Applications’ dropdown in the Service panel.
To access applications through DED, navigate to ‘Brand’ under the Files section, then click on ‘Create New’.
The Madrid System, run by WIPO, lets you register your trademark in multiple countries with one application, based on an application or registration in the 'home' country – such as the UAE. It's a convenient way to manage and expand your mark globally. Keep in mind, each country has its own fees, so consider your business strategy and the regions you want to target.
You can use the Madrid System Fee Calculator to understand the cost of applying for a Trademark in your target markets. Not all countries are members of this system, and so you may need to file direct national applications in some territories of commercial interest.
Once you submit your application, MoEc will carefully assess it to ensure it meets their requirements.
The examination process can take up to 90 days and will follow these steps:
The Trademark office will review your application to check if it meets legal standards and doesn't clash with other Trademarks. This process, which can take up to 90 days, involves looking at factors like uniqueness, similarity to other marks, and following the law. Based on this review, your application will either be approved or rejected (on relative or absolute grounds). If rejected, you can appeal, adjust your Trademark details, and submit it again for review.
If accepted, you will be prompted to pay the publication fees and your application will progress to the next step.
Here application is published in the official Trademark journal for a 30 day opposition period from the date of publication.
During the opposition period, third parties can file objections to your application if they have a basis for doing so. In this case, examiners will assess the case before making a decision. If the application is rejected, you can submit an appeal to the grievance committee for a final time. If there are no objections or if your appeal is resolved in your favor, your application moves to registration.
After finishing the process and addressing any issues, your Trademark is registered once the final registration fees are paid. You'll receive an e-certificate that shows you own the Trademark and explains your rights.
You can track your application on the MoEc Trademark Portal. Look for your application in the My Applications tab under the Tools section.
If there are any notifications or alerts, you’ll receive a notification and email. You can find the details of what you need to do on the portal in the notification section.
Trademark registrations are due for renewal every 10 years. Trademark protection can be renewed during the tenth year of the valid protection period or within six months after the end of the tenth year with the payment of an additional fee. Unlike patents, designs or Utility Models, potentially trademark registrations can last indefinitely provided the renewal fees are paid and they are used.
Keep an eye on the market and the Trademark journal to catch out any infringements. This may be done by yourself or through an IP attorney. Trademark infringement happens when someone uses a trademark that is very similar to your own, causing confusion. This can harm your brand reputation or make people think the two are connected.
Licensing and franchising your Trademarks are great ways to generate additional income streams and boost the recognition of your brand. You can set the specific conditions for the use of the mark to your liking. If you are a UAE company expanding overseas, you may also wish to register your trademark elsewhere, and then license its use to your local operating company, whether that’s a group entity or a third party partner.
To find out more about the management of your Trademark including infringement and payment schedules, please visit our Manage your Trademark page.
