Features of trademark registration in the UAE
Registration of a trademark in the UAE has a number of specific features:
- there is no government agency responsible for registering copyrights or trademarks (the application is sent directly to the Ministry of Economy);
- the application is submitted in the name of a legal or private entity;
- any symbols and indications can act as a trademark, including words, phrases, logos, color combinations and even melodies;
- the country uses the Nice classification of products (goods and services) with special provisions for classes 32 and 33 (alcoholic beverages are not subject to registration in the UAE);
- one trademark per class (you cannot register one TM in relation to several classes);
To eliminate the risk of similarity of your brand with previously registered marks, it is necessary to carry out work to detect identical symbols. One of the most common reasons for refusal to register a trademark in Dubai is similarity in priority designations. The paid fee (the amount of the registration fee in the UAE is one of the highest in the world) is not refunded to the applicant.
Those who plan to register a trademark in the UAE should know that they cannot use elements of state symbols or organizations with international status, as well as names and images of people without obtaining their official consent. If, when considering a new trademark, signs of violation of the principles of morality and religion are found, registration will also be denied.
The content of symbols, text inscriptions and images should not offend Muslim culture and traditions. What seems ordinary and normal to Europeans may cause a different reaction in the United Arab Emirates, so it is important to enlist the help of a competent organization or consultant who is well aware of the specifics of symbol interpretation, as well as other important aspects.
Documents for registering a trademark in the UAE
The list of documents that must be prepared to register a trademark in the UAE includes:
- a copy of the TM image in black and white on paper and a digital symbol format (JPEG file);
- detailed description of the company’s products (services);
- power of attorney to submit an application if it is not possible to be present at the place of registration of the trademark (if the document was not issued in the UAE, it must be certified at the local embassy or consulate);
- company registration certificate (a copy is submitted on behalf of the legal entity);
- identification documents, if the applicant is an individual (passport, identification code);
- a document confirming the registration of a trademark in other countries (if the procedure was carried out in other jurisdictions);
- payment document confirming payment of the duty;
- translation of the names contained in the trademark (into English and Arabic).
Time frame of trademark registration: 4 – 6 months
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Price |
|
|---|---|
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1. Initial Approval |
210 $ |
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2. Publication Fee |
210 $ |
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3. Final Registration Fee |
1380 $ |
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Total: |
1800 $ |
The price does not included services fee of DYNASTY BUSINESS ADVISER
Procedure on the part of the applicant
Within 30 days after submitting the application to the UAE Ministry of Economy, a trademark examination is carried out. If there are no comments, the application is published in the official publication of the ministry. Additional publication is carried out at the applicant’s expense in two local newspapers in Arabic.
Within the next month after the application is approved, the Ministry completes the trademark registration procedure. The total period of all stages, from filing an application to receiving a certificate, is 3-4 months, maximum six months. After registering a trademark in Dubai, you will receive a certificate valid in the country for 10 years (the period is counted from the moment of filing the application; there is also the possibility of extending the legal validity of the document).
If the trademark has not been used for five years, third parties can challenge the registration. In addition, the UAE Ministry of Economy provides for the possibility of voluntary termination of a trademark in the country. To do this, you need to submit an application, pay a state fee and place an announcement in two local newspapers.
Assistance in registering a trademark in Dubai
Dynasty Business Adviser provides a full range of services related to business registration and intellectual property rights in the United Arab Emirates. Our advantages include extensive practical experience and professional competencies in a specialized field. We provide assistance to business representatives with different types of activities and income levels.
The main goal of our company is to provide effective assistance in the development and promotion of commercial activities, provide protection from unfair competition, and prevent unreasonable expenses.
We provide our clients with the opportunity to save time on filling out documents and carrying out other procedures related to registration. We work honestly, prepare reports on financial costs, and provide consulting support. For more information, request a callback or write a message via online chat.
