Overview
In the UAE, a trademark registration gives you exclusive 10-year rights (renewable) over the sign that identifies your goods or services. It deters copycats, unlocks licensing revenues, and lets you seize counterfeit goods through UAE Customs. Applications are handled centrally by the UAE Ministry of Economy (MoE) under Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021, with all filings now submitted online.
Step-by-Step Process
| # | Phase | What Happens | Official Fee* | Typical Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pre-filing analysis & classification | Map your goods/services to the latest Nice Classification; check basic eligibility (distinctiveness, non-descriptive). | — | Day 0 |
| 2 | Comprehensive trademark search | Run identical & similar mark searches in the MoE and WIPO databases to spot conflicts before you spend filing fees. | AED 750 (optional official search) | 2–3 days |
| 3 | Online filing | Submit the application via MoE e-Services, attach a clear mark image, choose classes, and pay the filing fee. | AED 750 per class | D 0 |
| 4 | Formal examination | MoE checks that paperwork, POA, specimens, and fees are complete. | — | 7–14 days |
| 5 | Substantive examination | Examiner assesses similarity, descriptiveness, moral order, etc. | — | 30–60 days |
| 6 | Office Action (if any) | You have 30 days to amend or argue objections; extensions possible on request. | AED 500 per response (if required) | Adds 1–2 months |
| 7 | Acceptance & Publication | Pay the publication fee; mark appears in the Official Trademark Bulletin (issued twice monthly). | AED 750 | Immediate after acceptance |
| 8 | 30-day opposition window | Third parties may file objections. If none (or once resolved), MoE issues a decision to register. | — | 30 days |
| 9 | Registration & Certificate | Pay the final fee within 30 days; e-certificate issued—rights date back to filing. | AED 5,000 | 1–2 weeks |
| 10 | Renewal & maintenance | Renewal every 10 years (grace period: 3 months, late fees AED 1,000/mo). Record assignments, mergers, or license agreements anytime. | AED 6,500renewal | Ongoing |
*Official fees only; professional/translation costs are extra and can change without notice.
Total MoE fees (single class, smooth case): AED 6,500.
Time-line: 6–8 months on average if no objections; complex cases can take longer.
Tip: UAE joined the Madrid Protocol in 2021, so you can also designate the UAE in an international application if you already file via WIPO.
Why Smart Business Creation?
| Service | What You Gain |
|---|---|
| Clearance search & strategy | Avoid costly refusals by knowing conflicts before you file. |
| Smart class selection | We map your offerings to the precise Nice classes so you don’t pay for coverage you don’t need. |
| End-to-end filing & prosecution | We prepare the POA, translate specs, upload documents, pay fees, and track deadlines. |
| Office-action expertise | Our in-house IP specialists draft persuasive arguments that keep your mark moving forward. |
| Publication & certificate handling | We monitor the bulletin, fend off oppositions, and secure the e-certificate for your records. |
| Renewals & portfolio watch | Automated reminders, timely renewals, and monitoring of confusingly similar marks. |
| Post-registration actions | Recordals of assignments, mergers, licences, and changes of name or address—all handled swiftly. |
| Enforcement & customs recordal | We liaise with UAE Customs and relevant authorities to intercept counterfeit shipments and protect your revenue. |
Bottom line: Smart Business Creation turns a multi-month government procedure into a seamless, single-dashboard experience, letting you focus on scaling your brand while we guard its legal edge.
