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Iakov Kukushkin
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Dec 19, 2025
As of the end of 2025, the UAE government had registered 402,311 national and international trademarks. This number could have been higher if companies had complied with trademark registration rules in the UAE.
This article will thoroughly explore these regulations, offering guidance on how to register and providing an up-to-date list of registration fees, including the most recent changes.
This article will thoroughly explore these regulations, offering guidance on how to register and providing an up-to-date list of registration fees, including the most recent changes.
- What is a trademark in the UAE
- What can be registered as trademarks in the UAE?
- These things cannot be trademarked in the UAE
- Trademark protection and monitoring in UAE
- Benefits of trademark registration
- Who can apply for trademark registration in UAE?
- Step-by-step process for trademark registration in UAE
- Updated trademark registration UAE fees 2025-2026
- Documents required for trademark registration
- Renew trademark registration
- Cancel trademark registration
- Trademark registration FAQ
What is a trademark in the UAE
What is a trademark in the UAETrademark is a unique identifier for your products or services. It could be a name, logo, catchy phrase, symbol, or any other combination that makes your product stand out from the rest on the market in the UAE. When you register a trademark, you get exclusive legal rights to use it and protect it from other people trying to copy your brand.
The legal framework for trademark registration in the UAE is outlined by Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 on Trademarks and its Executive Regulations.
The legal framework for trademark registration in the UAE is outlined by Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 on Trademarks and its Executive Regulations.
Trademark classification in UAE
The UAE follows the Nice Classification system, which aligns with World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) standards:
- Classes 1–34: Goods
- Classes 35–45: Services
What can be registered as trademarks in the UAE?
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Word marks, brand names, slogans
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Logos and graphic symbols
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Combined marks (text + image)
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Distinctive shapes or packaging
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Unique sounds (subject to technical requirements)
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Color combinations (if they function as identifiers)
These things cannot be trademarked in the UAE
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Violent or offensive content (against public morals or order)
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Official state symbols, flags, or emblems
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Religious phrases or sacred text, religious symbols and names
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Generic or descriptive phrases with no brand identity
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Names or images of individuals without consent
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Confusingly similar marks to existing protected trademarks
The key requirement for registration is distinctiveness. The mark must clearly distinguish your goods or services from those of other companies. Generic or descriptive marks cannot be registered. Let's check if your trademark is in line with UAE regulations. We can help you look at your current trademark and get a new one registered according to all the rules and standards.
Trademark protection and monitoring in UAE
Once registered, the trademark owner has exclusive rights to:
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Prevent unauthorized use
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License or assign the trademark
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Take legal action against infringement
We strongly recommend trademark monitoring to proactively protect your brand by identifying potential infringements or similar filings early. Sure, it's not always possible to have the time or resources for that. But you can delegate it and get some peace of mind.
Benefits of trademark registration
Registering your trademark in the UAE gives you exclusive ownership of your brand and provides legal protection. This strengthens your market credibility and builds trust with customers and partners. Registering your trademark also gives you the ability to license, franchise, or sell it as a commercial asset while protecting your brand against infringement and counterfeiting. Over time, a registered trademark becomes a valuable intangible asset that increases business valuation, creates investment opportunities, and enables long-term growth.
Who can apply for trademark registration in UAE?
- UAE individuals and companies
- Foreign individuals and companies
- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals and entities
- International businesses operating through local agents
A UAE trade license isn't necessary to file a trademark application, but a license is typically required for commercial use. However, without a license, you won't be able to do business legally in the country. So, getting a license is a must for any business. We can help you with that, as well as get you other necessary paperwork to run your business.
Step-by-step process for trademark registration in UAE
- Pre-Search: Perform (or hire) a search to ensure no conflict with existing marks.
- Application filing: Submit your application through the Ministry of Economy and Tourism's online portal.
- Formal review: The Ministry checks compliance with trademark law.
- Publication: If accepted, the application is published in the Official Gazette.
- Opposition period: Third parties have 30 days to file oppositions.
- Registration certificate: If no opposition (or opposition is resolved), the certificate is issued.
The process generally takes 4–6 months, but urgent processing options are now available. To make sure it's done on time and doesn't need extra paperwork, we recommend talking to professionals who specialize in business registration and helping entrepreneurs do business in the UAE.
Updated trademark registration UAE fees 2025-2026
In 2025, the UAE introduced a revised fee structure covering 28 trademark services, including new options and consolidated service charges:
- Standard government fees per class
- Application filing: ~ AED 750
- Publication fees: ~ AED 750
- Final registration fee: ~ AED 5,000
The typical government fee total per class is ~AED 6,500 (not including professional agent costs).
- New fees for 2025-2026
- One-Day Trademark Examination: AED 2,250
- Geographical Indication Registration: AED 6,500
- Conversion of national trademark to international: AED 400
- Grievance filing (e.g., cancellation objection): AED 5,000 – 7,500
- Trademark agent branch renewal (foreign): AED 7,500
- Infringement complaint filing: AED 2,250
- Renewal (standard): AED 5,750– 6,500 (depending on timing)
Trademark classification in UAE
There are special conditions for small business owners in certain fees categories
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Members of the national SME program: 50% reduction on trademark service fees
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People of determination: Full fee exemption
This is part of the UAE’s strategy to support entrepreneurs, boost innovation, and make brand protection more affordable.
Documents required for trademark registration
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Trademark representation (image/logo)
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Passport copy (individual) or trade license (company)
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Power of Attorney (notarised/legalised for foreign applicants)
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List of goods/services under the correct class
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Contact details for applicant/agent
Renew trademark registration
The trademark is valid for 10 years from the filing date. Renewal must be filed during the final year of protection.
- Grace period: 6 months after expiry with additional fees
Cancel trademark registration
Trademark registration can be canceled if:
- Not used in commerce for five consecutive years
- Registered in bad faith
- Violates UAE trademark laws or public policy
Trademark registration FAQ
Government fees typically begin at around AED 6,500 per class. The final cost depends on the number of classes, expedited services, and professional fees.
On average, it takes 4–6 months, assuming there are no objections or oppositions. Fast-track options are also available.
Common types include word marks, logos, composite marks, service marks, collective marks, certification marks, and 3D marks.
The cost of most applications ranges from AED 6,500 to AED 10,000 per class.
This includes individuals, UAE and foreign companies, GCC nationals, and international businesses.
This includes individuals, UAE and foreign companies, GCC nationals, and international businesses.
Yeah, as long as it's catchy and not just a description.
Offensive, misleading, religious, generic, or overly similar marks are not permitted.
The cost of a patent varies widely, but typically starts at several thousand dirhams. Contact us for a current price estimate for your case.
Trademark in the UAE is valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely.
Copyright law protects original creative works, such as software, books, music, and designs, and it takes effect automatically upon creation.
Patent protects new technical inventions and grants exclusive rights for a limited period.
Yes, the name must be distinctive and must not conflict with existing trademarks.
You can apply internationally through the Madrid System via WIPO.
If anyone wants to, they can file an objection within 30 days of when it was published or later ask for it to be cancelled on legal grounds.
