Trademark Registration in the UAE: Step-by-Step Guide
In a fast-growing economy like the UAE, protecting your brand is essential. Registering a trademark ensures exclusive rights to use your name, logo, or symbol and helps prevent unauthorized usage by others. Whether you’re a local startup, international company, or e-commerce brand, understanding the UAE’s trademark laws is key to securing your identity in the market.
This 2025 guide breaks down the trademark registration process, costs, timelines, and legal protections involved.
What Is a Trademark? A trademark can be a brand name, logo, slogan, symbol, or combination that distinguishes your goods or services. It must be distinctive and not already registered by another entity in the UAE or internationally.
Who Can Register a Trademark in the UAE?
- UAE citizens and residents
- Foreign companies conducting business in the UAE
- International brands looking to protect their IP in the GCC region
Where to Register? All trademark registrations in the UAE are handled by the Ministry of Economy.
What Can Be Registered?
- Logos
- Names
- Packaging designs
- Slogans or taglines
- Sound marks (in some cases)
What Cannot Be Registered?
- Generic or misleading terms
- Names or logos already registered
- Religious or moral symbols
- Flags or symbols of the UAE or other countries
Steps to Register a Trademark in the UAE (2025)
- Trademark Search
- Conduct a preliminary search to check for existing trademarks
- This is optional but highly recommended
- Application Submission
- Submit the application via the Ministry of Economy’s website
- Required documents:
- Trademark logo/image (if applicable)
- Commercial license copy
- Power of Attorney (if filing through an agent)
- Passport copy of applicant
- Priority document (if applicable)
- Application Review
- The Ministry examines the application for compliance and similarity
- If approved, the trademark is published in two local newspapers
- Publication and Opposition
- There is a 30-day window for public objection
- If no objection is received, the process continues
- Final Registration and Certificate
- After the waiting period, pay the final registration fee
- Receive your trademark certificate valid for 10 years, renewable
Estimated Costs (2025)
- Initial application: AED 750
- Publication in official journal: AED 1,000
- Newspaper publication (x2): AED 1,000–1,500
- Final registration: AED 5,000
- Legal/consultant fees (optional): AED 2,000–5,000
Total: AED 7,750 – AED 13,000 (approx., depending on complexity and legal help)
Trademark Duration & Renewal
- Valid for 10 years from the date of registration
- Renewable for similar periods
- Renewal should be applied within the last year of validity
Why Trademark Protection Matters
- Exclusive rights over your brand identity
- Legal grounds to take action against infringement
- Boosts brand value and investor confidence
- Required for franchising and licensing deals
Conclusion
Registering a trademark in the UAE is a crucial step for safeguarding your brand in a competitive market. With a well-defined legal process and clear protection rights, trademark registration in 2025 remains a valuable asset for businesses looking to grow in the region.
Consider hiring a trademark consultant or legal advisor to simplify the process and ensure complete compliance with UAE laws.
