Trademark Classes in the UAE: Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Class for Your Brand
When registering a trademark in the UAE, one of the most misunderstood — yet most critical — decisions is selecting the correct trademark class.
Many business owners assume that registering a trademark protects their brand across all activities. That is incorrect. Trademark protection in the UAE is class-specific, meaning your protection only applies to the goods or services registered under a particular category.
Choosing the wrong class can significantly weaken your legal protection.
What Are Trademark Classes?
Trademark classes are categories used to organize goods and services under the international Nice Classification system.
The UAE follows this system, which divides trademarks into:
• 34 classes for goods (Classes 1–34)
• 11 classes for services (Classes 35–45)
At least one class must be selected when filing a trademark application.
Why Trademark Classification Is Important in the UAE
Trademark rights in the UAE are limited to the specific class registered.
For example, registering under Class 25 (clothing) does not protect you under Class 35 (retail trading) or Class 43 (restaurant services).
If you select the wrong class:
• Competitors may register similar marks in other classes
• Your enforcement rights may be restricted
• You may need to file a new application and pay additional fees
Classification is therefore a strategic decision, not a technical formality.
Complete List of Trademark Classes Recognised in the UAE
Goods Classes (1–34)
Class 1 – Chemicals for industrial use
Class 2 – Paints and varnishes
Class 3 – Cosmetics and cleaning products
Class 4 – Oils and fuels
Class 5 – Pharmaceuticals and medical preparations
Class 6 – Metal goods
Class 7 – Machinery and equipment
Class 8 – Hand tools
Class 9 – Electronics, software, and computer hardware
Class 10 – Medical apparatus
Class 11 – Lighting and heating equipment
Class 12 – Vehicles
Class 13 – Firearms and ammunition
Class 14 – Jewellery and watches
Class 15 – Musical instruments
Class 16 – Paper goods and printed materials
Class 17 – Rubber and plastic products
Class 18 – Leather goods and bags
Class 19 – Construction materials
Class 20 – Furniture
Class 21 – Household utensils
Class 22 – Ropes and textile materials
Class 23 – Yarns and threads
Class 24 – Fabrics and textiles
Class 25 – Clothing and footwear
Class 26 – Embroidery and decorative items
Class 27 – Carpets and rugs
Class 28 – Toys and sporting goods
Class 29 – Meat and processed food
Class 30 – Coffee, tea, bakery products
Class 31 – Agricultural products
Class 32 – Non-alcoholic beverages
Class 33 – Alcoholic beverages
Class 34 – Tobacco products
Service Classes (35–45)
Class 35 – Advertising, marketing, and trading services
Class 36 – Financial and real estate services
Class 37 – Construction and repair
Class 38 – Telecommunications
Class 39 – Transport and logistics
Class 40 – Treatment of materials
Class 41 – Education and training
Class 42 – IT services and scientific services
Class 43 – Restaurants and hospitality
Class 44 – Medical and beauty services
Class 45 – Legal and security services
Most Common Trademark Classes Registered in the UAE
Certain classes are more frequently registered due to the UAE’s commercial environment.
Class 35 – Advertising & General Trading
Covers general trading companies, e-commerce platforms, and marketing services.
Note: Class 35 protects trading services, not the goods themselves.
Class 9 – Electronics & Software
Relevant for tech startups, app developers, SaaS platforms, and electronics traders.
Often paired with Class 42.
Class 42 – IT & Technology Services
Protects software development, cloud services, AI services, and IT consultancy.
Common among technology companies operating in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Class 43 – Restaurants & Cafes
Required for restaurants, cafes, catering services, and cloud kitchens.
If packaged food is sold separately, an additional goods class (such as Class 30) may be required.
Class 25 – Clothing & Fashion
Used by apparel brands and fashion retailers.
May also require Class 35 for retail services.
Class 36 – Real Estate & Financial Services
Relevant for real estate brokerages, property developers, and financial consultants.
Can You Register in Multiple Classes in the UAE?
Yes. Multi-class registration is permitted.
However:
• Each class requires separate government fees
• Each class is examined independently
• Objections may arise in one class but not others
Strategic selection is essential to balance cost and protection.
How to Choose the Correct Trademark Class
Step 1: Identify your exact trade license activity
Step 2: Match it to the Nice Classification description
Step 3: Consider future expansion
Step 4: Conduct a class-specific trademark search
Professional review is recommended for businesses operating in multiple sectors.
Government Fees Per Class in the UAE
Fees are charged per class.
If you file in multiple classes, government and publication fees are payable separately for each class.
The total cost generally ranges from AED 6,000 to AED 10,000 per class, excluding professional fees.
Is Trademark Protection Limited to One Class?
Yes. Protection only applies to the registered class.
However, well-known trademarks may receive broader protection under certain circumstances.
Is a UAE Trademark Valid Internationally?
No. A UAE trademark is valid only within the UAE.
International protection requires:
• Separate filings in other countries, or
• Registration through the Madrid System
How Long Is a Trademark Valid in the UAE?
A registered trademark is valid for 10 years from the filing date.
It can be renewed indefinitely for additional 10-year periods upon payment of renewal fees.
Consult a Trademark Lawyer Before Filing
Selecting the correct trademark class in the UAE requires legal precision. A minor classification error can result in rejection, limited protection, or exposure to future disputes. Consulting a trademark lawyer ensures that your application aligns with your trade license activities, current operations, and future expansion plans. A legal professional can conduct a proper class-specific search, assess potential conflicts, draft the specification correctly, and respond to any objections raised by the authorities. Taking expert legal advice at the filing stage significantly reduces risk and protects your brand investment long term.
Final Thoughts
Trademark classification determines the scope of your brand protection in the UAE. Selecting the correct class — or combination of classes — is essential to avoid legal gaps and enforcement limitations.
Before filing, businesses should carefully evaluate their licensed activities, product offerings, and long-term expansion plans.
Strategic classification is the foundation of effective trademark protection.
