Registering your trademark in the UAE protects your brand from copying and gives you legal rights to use your name and logo commercially. Here is a complete guide to UAE trademark registration in 2025.
UAE Trademark Registration: The Basics
UAE trademarks are registered with the UAE Ministry of Economy (Intellectual Property Department). A UAE registered trademark: gives you exclusive rights to use the mark in the UAE for 10 years (renewable), provides a legal basis to stop others from using the same or similar mark, and is the basis for brand protection actions (civil lawsuits, Customs enforcement). A UAE trademark registration does NOT automatically cover other GCC countries or international markets. For regional protection: you need to file separately in each GCC country, or use the Madrid System (WIPO international trademark) for broader coverage.
UAE Trademark Classes
UAE trademarks are registered under the Nice Classification system (45 classes). You must specify which class(es) your trademark applies to: Classes 1-34: goods (e.g., Class 5 pharmaceutical products, Class 25 clothing). Classes 35-45: services (e.g., Class 35 advertising and marketing services, Class 36 financial services). Cost per class: AED 500-1,000 per class (government filing fee). A separate application (and fee) is required for each class.
UAE Trademark Application Process
Step 1: Trademark search (check if a similar mark already exists in the UAE IP database). Step 2: File the application online at trademarks.economy.gov.ae. Required: applicant details, trademark specimen (logo or wordmark), goods/services description, Nice Classification classes. Step 3: Application examination by the UAE Ministry of Economy. Step 4: Publication in the Official Gazette (for opposition period: 30 days). Step 5: If no opposition: registration certificate issued. Total timeline: 6-18 months from application to registration. Expedited process (Priority Examination): available for an additional fee, reduces timeline to 3-6 months.