When starting a corporate in the UAE, one of the key steps is to protect your brand by registering your trademark. With a growing modest market and competition in the UAE, it is vital to showcase the exclusive qualities of your business to attract customers. A brand or logo can help to distinguish your business, but with success comes the possibility of simulations, which can damage your company’s reputation.
So, registering your trademark is fundamental to prevent illegal use and protect your business’s goodwill. In this article, we will see the Step-by-Step process of trademark registration in the UAE and how it can help in protecting your business in a competitive market.
What is a Trademark?
A trademark is an officially registered symbol, word, or group of words that signify a company or product. Its exclusive use prevents other companies from copying or using it without permission. By creating a distinct identity for a business or product, a trademark helps it stand out in a busy marketplace.
In the UAE, the Ministry of Economy is accountable for overseeing all trademark registrations. It ensures that businesses can protect their brand identity and intellectual property.
Who can register for a Trademark in UAE?
Under Federal Law No. 37 of 1992 on Trademarks, the following individuals and entities are worthy to register trademarks:
- UAE residents and natural persons engaged in commercial, industrial, expert, or service businesses.
- Foreigners and natural persons engaged in commercial, industrial, expert, or service businesses.
- Foreigners and natural persons engaged in commercial, industrial, expert, or service businesses in any country based on mutuality.
- Other artificial persons.
This law provides a framework for trademark registration, shielding the intellectual property of businesses in the UAE and promoting fair competition in the marketplace.
Process of Trademark Registration in UAE
Registering a trademark is essential to protect your company from clones, despite taking time. The following steps provide a detailed overview of the process.
1- Enquire about Current Trademarks
To register a trademark in the UAE, conducting a trademark search is the first important step. This includes searching online to see if the desired trademark is already in use by another entity. If the trademark is already in use, it cannot be used by the registrant. Once a suitable trademark has been chosen, the registration process begins.
2- Fill out the application
When registering a trademark, firstly download and complete the application form. You can easily download the form from the e-services website. To complete the application, you will need to provide the following documents such as;
- Power of attorney
- Trading License
- ID or Passport of the Person who will Sign the Application
- Contact Details of Candidate
- A Sample of Trademark Design
- List of Goods and Services to be Sheltered
3- Pay the essential amount
Once you have all the needed documents, you will need to pay a registration fee to complete the process. You can make the payment simply through the Ministry of Economy’s e-services portal. It is vital to note that the estimated cost of registering a trademark in the UAE is approximately 38442 AED, which may include extra charges for legal services or translation fees.
4- Appraisal by the Ministry
Once the payment is done, the Ministry of Economy (MOE) will appraise your application. Any errors or oversights may result in the rejection of your trademark application. If rejected, you can appeal and make the needed changes.
Assuming no issues arise, you should receive trademark approval within 30 days.
5- Publication in Newspaper
When the Ministry of Economy approves your trademark application, they will publish the document in 2 national newspapers. Note that the applicant must cover the cost of publishing the statement. If any individual has concerns or doubts about the trademark, they have 30 days from the publication date to raise them.
6- Ultimate registration
If no complaints or objections are raised against the trademark within the specified timeframe, the Ministry of Economy will issue a registration credential. This credential will contain important details such as;
- Registration Number
- Date of Application
- Business Name
- Owner’s Name
- Trademark
- Services Associated with The Trademark
Trademark Validity in UAE
After being registered, a trademark in the UAE is in force for 10 years and can be renewed for an additional fee. It is imperative to note that the registration of a trademark only protects within the 7 emirates of the UAE and not globally.
Conclusion
Registering a trademark is a fundamental step in protecting your company’s brand identity and preventing others from using it for their purposes. To ensure a smooth and effective registration process, it is recommended to seek the help of a professional firm.
Far consultant Middle East is a top leading firm in UAE focusing on trademark registration and other legal services.
