Trademark Registration in Dubai

Trademark registration in Dubai is the legal process of securing exclusive rights over a brand name, logo, slogan, or any distinctive element. These elements are used to distinguish your goods or services in the market. Once you register the mark, it becomes protected intellectual property. It prevents others from using identical or confusingly similar marks without your consent.

In the UAE, trademark registration operates under the Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 on Trademarks and is administered by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MOET). With registration, the owner grants nationwide rights to use the mark and enforce those rights through civil, criminal, and customs actions.

Trademark activity in the UAE has grown rapidly, reflecting a stronger focus on brand protection and international expansion. The MOET reported that the country had 402,311 registered trademarks as of September 2025, with 19,957 new registrations reported in the first half of 2025. This growth reflects the UAE’s participation in the Madrid Protocol since 2021 and a series of investor-friendly reforms.

Trademark registration in Dubai is the legal process of securing exclusive rights over a brand name, logo, slogan, or any distinctive element. These elements are used to distinguish your goods or services in the market. Once you register the mark, it becomes protected intellectual property. It prevents others from using identical or confusingly similar marks without your consent.

In the UAE, trademark registration operates under the Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 on Trademarks and is administered by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MOET). With registration, the owner grants nationwide rights to use the mark and enforce those rights through civil, criminal, and customs actions.

Trademark activity in the UAE has grown rapidly, reflecting a stronger focus on brand protection and international expansion. The MOET reported that the country had 402,311 registered trademarks as of September 2025, with 19,957 new registrations reported in the first half of 2025. This growth reflects the UAE’s participation in the Madrid Protocol since 2021 and a series of investor-friendly reforms.

Dubai allows businesses to register a wide range of trademarks, provided they are distinctive and capable of identifying the source of goods or services.

The following types of trademarks in Dubai are commonly accepted:

Note: Under UAE trademark law, Class 33 (alcoholic beverages) is not available for registration, regardless of the mark type. Alcoholic goods within Class 32 (such as beer) and pork products within Class 29 are similarly excluded in line with UAE cultural and legal norms.

Under Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 on Trademarks, Article 6 grants any natural or legal person the right to register a trademark in the UAE.

Here’s who can apply for brand registration in Dubai:

• Individuals operating businesses in their own name
• Mainland, Free Zone, and offshore companies
• Foreign individuals and international companies (must file through a UAE-registered trademark agent)
• Partnership firms and LLPs
• Startups and SMEs (eligible for a 50% government fee reduction under Cabinet Resolution No. 102 of 2025)
• Manufacturers, traders, and service providers
• E-commerce businesses
• Non-profits, government, and semi-government entities
• People of Determination (fully exempt from official fees)

Note: Applicants based outside the UAE must appoint a locally registered trademark agent and submit a notarized, legalized Power of Attorney (POA).

Trademark registration in Dubai requires submitting specific documents to the MOET.

Essential Documents for Trademark Registration in Dubai

You will need to gather the following core documents to initiate and complete your trademark application:

• Clear representation of the mark (word, logo, or combined) in JPEG format.
• Applicant’s details, including name, address, and nationality.
• Trade license copy (for companies and business entities).
• A passport copy of the applicant or authorized signatory.
• Notarized POA, if filing through an agent.
• Description of goods or services as per the relevant trademark class.
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) or incorporation certificate (for companies).
• Payment receipt of the prescribed government fees.

Additional Documents for Trademark Registration in Dubai (If Applicable)

Depending on the nature of your application, you may also be required to submit the following supporting documents:

• Legalized POA attested by the UAE Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for foreign applicants.
• Attested Certificate of Incorporation in Dubai for overseas companies.
• Arabic translation of the trademark, if required.
• List of goods or services translated into Arabic.
• Priority documents for claiming earlier foreign filing rights.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) for restricted or sensitive terms.
• Consent letter if the mark includes personal names or third-party elements.
• Board resolution authorizing trademark filing on behalf of a company.
• Proof of trademark use in case of disputes or oppositions.
• Supporting files for special marks (e.g., sound clips or evidence of distinctiveness).

Having both essential and conditional documents ready in advance helps minimize delays and improves the chances of a successful trademark registration.

The trademark registration process in Dubai is structured and governed by the MOET e-services portal (moet.gov.ae).

Here’s the step-by-step procedure for trademark registration in Dubai:

Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Availability Search

Start by checking whether your proposed trademark is unique and not already registered.

• Search the UAE trademark database for identical or similar marks.
• Assess potential conflicts within the same class of goods or services.

Avoid marks that are generic, descriptive, or restricted under UAE law.

Estimated Timeline: 1–2 days

Step 2: Determine the Appropriate Trademark Class

Identify the correct classification for your goods or services.

• Refer to the Nice Classification system adopted by the UAE.
• Select one or more relevant classes to ensure comprehensive brand protection.

Ensure accurate classification to avoid rejection or limitations later.

Estimated Timeline: 1–2 days

Step 3: Prepare the Trademark Application

Compile all required documents and application details.

• Finalize high-resolution trademark visuals (logo, wordmark, or 3D).
• Prepare all supporting legal documents and applicant credentials.
• Draft a clear description of goods/services in line with Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021.

Estimated Timeline: 2–3 days

Step 4: Submit the Application

Initiate the formal filing process through the MOET digital portal.

• Complete the online application and upload documents.
• Pay the official filing fees and receive an acknowledgment receipt with application details.

Estimated Timeline: 1–2 days

Step 5: Examination by Authorities

The Ministry reviews your mark for distinctiveness and legal eligibility. They:

• Check for conflicts with existing trademarks.
• Ensure the mark meets legal requirements.

Respond promptly to any objections or clarification requests if raised.

Estimated Timeline: 30–60 days

Step 6: Publication in Trademark Journal

Once approved, your trademark is published in the official UAE Trademark Bulletin issued by MOET for public review.

• At this stage, third parties can file oppositions.
• Monitor for any third-party claims or disputes.

Estimated Timeline: 30 days

Step 7: Opposition Period (If Any)

Handle any oppositions filed against your trademark.

• Submit counterarguments or legal evidence through authorized agents.
• Move to final approval if no oppositions are filed within the window.

Estimated Timeline: 30–60 days (if applicable)

Step 8: Payment of Registration Fees

Pay the registration and publication fees to finalize securing your trademark.

Ensure timely payment to avoid cancellation of approval.

Estimated Timeline: 1–2 days

Step 9: Issuance of Trademark Certificate

Gain formal legal recognition for your brand.

• Download your official digital Trademark Registration Certificate.
• Secure exclusive ownership and usage rights across all seven Emirates.

Estimated Timeline: 5–10 days

Step 10: Renewal and Ongoing Protection

Proactively manage your intellectual property.

• Enjoy a 10-year validity period from the date of registration.
• Apply for renewals every decade to maintain indefinite protection.
• Enforce your rights against unauthorized use or infringement.

Estimated Timeline: Every 10 years

Looking to register your trademark in Dubai without delays or errors? Let SafeLedger handle everything, from trademark search in Dubai to filing and final approval. Contact us today to secure your brand with confidence!

The trademark registration in Dubai costs involve a combination of fixed government fees and variable professional costs. Under Cabinet Resolution No. 102 of 2025, the total standard government fee is set at AED 6,500 per class.

When including mandatory translations, notarizations, and agent fees, the total trademark registration fees in Dubai range between AED 8,500 and AED 12,000 per class.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the key cost components involved in trademark registration in Dubai:

The UAE has introduced significant financial support for specific applicant categories to foster a more inclusive business environment:

• National SME Program: Registered SMEs receive a 50% reduction on all official government fees.
• People of Determination: Eligible applicants are granted a full exemption from official trademark fees.

Trademark registration in Dubai involves multiple stages, legal checks, and strict compliance with UAE regulations. SafeLedger streamlines the entire process, helping you secure your brand efficiently and without complications.

Here’s why businesses rely on us:

• Comprehensive Trademark Search: We conduct in-depth availability checks across UAE records to minimize the risk of rejection or conflict.
• Precise Class Selection: Our experts identify the exact Nice Classification classes to ensure complete and relevant brand protection.
• Arabic Compliance Support: SafeLedger handles all required translations and ensures your application aligns with Arabic filing standards in the UAE.
• Objection and Opposition Handling: Our team assists in drafting responses and managing disputes to protect your trademark rights.
• Renewal and Lifecycle Support: From registration to renewal after 10 years, we ensure your trademark remains continuously protected.

With SafeLedger, trademark registration in Dubai becomes a structured and seamless process.