In the UAE’s fast-growing business landscape, protecting your brand is more important than ever. Whether you’re launching a new company or expanding your existing one, registering your trademark ensures that your name, logo, or slogan remains legally protected against misuse or imitation.

At Falcon Law, we help entrepreneurs, startups, and corporations secure their brand identity through a smooth and compliant trademark registration process with the UAE Ministry of Economy.

What Is a Trademark?

A trademark is any distinctive sign that identifies your goods or services — such as a name, logo, word, symbol, design, or a combination of these. It helps customers distinguish your brand from others in the market. Once registered, the trademark owner has exclusive rights to use it within the UAE and can take legal action against any unauthorized use.

Why Trademark Registration Is Important in the UAE

1. Legal protection: Prevents others from using a similar mark that may confuse customers.
2. Brand ownership: Establishes your legal claim and ownership of the brand name or logo.
3. Market trust: Builds credibility and consumer confidence.
4. Business value: Enhances brand equity and can become a valuable asset for licensing or franchising.
5. Regional expansion: Facilitates protection in other GCC countries through international filings.

Trademark Registration Authority in the UAE

Trademark applications in the UAE are handled by the Ministry of Economy (MOE). The registration is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 on Trademarks, which outlines the protection, renewal, and infringement procedures for trademarks.

Step-by-Step Process to Register a Trademark in the UAE

1. Conduct a Trademark Search

Before filing, it’s crucial to check whether your proposed mark is available. You can conduct a search through the Ministry of Economy’s database or with assistance from legal experts at Falcon Law to ensure there are no conflicts with existing trademarks.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

You’ll need the following documents to apply:

• Trademark logo or design in high resolution
• Applicant’s trade licence copy
• Power of attorney (if filed through an agent or law firm)
• Passport copy and Emirates ID of the applicant (for individuals)
• Contact details (address, email, phone number)
• List of goods or services under the Nice Classification

3. File the Application with the Ministry of Economy

The application is submitted online through the UAE Ministry of Economy’s trademark portal. A government fee is payable at the time of submission.

4. Application Review

The MOE will review your application to ensure it complies with the trademark law. If accepted, it will be published in the UAE Official Gazette and in two local newspapers.

5. Opposition Period

There is a 30-day opposition period from the date of publication. During this time, any third party can object to the registration if they believe it conflicts with their rights.

6. Trademark Registration Certificate

If no objections are raised, the Ministry issues a Trademark Registration Certificate, granting you exclusive rights to use the mark for 10 years from the filing date.

Trademark Renewal and Protection

• Validity: 10 years from the registration date.
• Renewal: Can be renewed indefinitely for additional 10-year periods.
• Grace period: A 3-month grace period is available after expiration (subject to a late fee).
• Protection scope: Covers all seven emirates of the UAE.

If your registered mark is infringed, Falcon Law can assist you with filing a cease and desist notice, civil action, or criminal complaint depending on the nature of the violation.

How Falcon Law Can Help

Our experienced legal team at Falcon Law offers comprehensive trademark services including:

• Trademark searches and legal clearance
• Application filing and documentation
• Responding to oppositions and objections
• Trademark renewals and portfolio management
• Enforcement and litigation support

We handle the entire process from start to finish, ensuring your brand is fully protected under UAE law.