Trademark registration is a crucial part of any business setup in any part of the UAE, including Dubai. Despite this, many entrepreneurs forget or overlook the vital aspect of trademark registration in Dubai. This may lead to some major ramifications later on. This article will discuss in detail about trademark register in Dubai, how important Dubai trademark registration is, and how to go about registering your trademark or brand in Dubai.
What is a trademark as defined by UAE law?
With the UAE occupying a prime position as a global business hub, the government needs to implement measures that protect and secure the businesses’ best interests. Thus, the existence of laws on trademark and intellectual property. UAE Trademark Law defines trademark Article 2 of Federal Law No. 37 of 1992 on Trademarks as anything that has a distinguishing/recognizable form such as names, phrases, signatures, letters, figures, illustrations, logos, titles, hallmarks, seals, photographs, engravings, advertisements, packs, or any other mark or collection of marks, whether used or intended to be used either to differentiate goods, items, or services regardless of their source or to signify that the goods or
Why is trademark registration in Dubai important?
Trademark registration in the UAE and Dubai is important because
- It protects your brand by preventing others from using your trademark.
- You have the right to sue anyone in the UAE who copies your trademark or uses it without your permission.
- In exchange for a licensing fee, you can grant another person permission to use your trademark (e.g., franchising opportunities)
- It can help you grow your brand and differentiate yourself from your competitors.
- A registered trademark with goodwill can significantly increase the resale value of your business.
- Trademark search – The Trademark Registry’s trademark search can help you determine whether anyone else has prior rights to your proposed trademark. This essentially assists you in determining whether your application has a chance of success. This step is highly recommended before filing any trademark registration in Dubai.
- Trademark filing – Following a successful trademark search, an application for trademark registration can be submitted to the trademark registry, along with the appropriate trademark class and other necessary documents.
- Publish in trademark journal – The trademark under registration will be advertised in the Ministry of Economy’s official trademark journals once the application is submitted. Applicants will then have a 30-day deadline to pay the Ministry’s publication fees, after which the trademark application will lapse.
- Publish in two Arabic newspapers – The trademark must also be published in two local Arabic newspapers. Within 30 days of the publication date, any interested party may file a notice of opposition to the registered trademark. If there are no objections after the publication, the registration process will begin.
- Registration fee payment – If no opposition is registered within the time limit specified above, the trademark can be registered by paying the registration fee and receiving a certificate of registration. Once registered, a trademark is valid for ten years and can be renewed for another ten years.