Trademark Registration Process in UAE Explained 

22.12.25 04:44 PM - By Fintrack Tax Consultants

Key Points You Should Know First

● Trademark registration in the UAE is governed by the Ministry of Economy & Tourism (MOET) with a clear step-by-step online process.

● Official government fees for registering a trademark include application, publication, and final registration payments.

● The trademark must be unique and compliant with UAE legal requirements.

● The application typically receives a decision within approximately 45–90 working days after filing.

Rejections, delays in fee payments, or errors in documentation can lead to fines, rejections, or extended timelines.


What Is a Trademark in the UAE?

A trademark is a distinctive identifier — such as a word, logo, slogan, design, or combination — that distinguishes your goods or services in the marketplace. Registering it with MOET gives you exclusive legal rights and brand protection across the UAE.

Why Register a Trademark?

Registering a trademark helps your business:

● Legally protect your brand from unauthorized use.

● Enforce your rights against infringement.

● Build trust with customers and partners.

● Create a valuable intellectual property asset.

A registered trademark in the UAE is valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely.

Step-by-Step Trademark Registration in the UAE

Here’s the updated process as per MOET official requirements:

Step 1 — Start the Trademark Application

Log in to the MOET online portal and select the “Register Trademark” service. You’ll be asked to enter all relevant details and upload required documents.

Step 2 — Submit Trademark Details

Provide:

● The trademark (image/text).

● Accurate details of goods or services using the Nice Classification.

● Applicant information (individual or company).

● Power of Attorney if filing through a registered agent.

● Commercial licence if the applicant is a business entity.

Step 3 — Pay the Initial Application Fee

After submission, you pay the application fee (AED 750) to begin the official review. 

Step 4 — MOET Examination

MOET reviews your trademark to ensure it:

● Is not identical or similar to existing trademarks.

● Meets distinctiveness requirements.

● Does not oppose public policy or morality.

The review period normally takes around 45–90 working days.

Step 5 — Trademark Acceptance & Publication

If accepted, you must pay the publication fee (AED 750) for the Official Trademark Bulletin. Acceptances are published twice a month.

After bulletin publication, there is an objection period of 30 days, during which third parties may oppose your mark.

Step 6 — Final Registration Payment

If no objections stand (or once resolved), you pay the final registration fee (AED 5,000) within 30 days after the objection period ends to receive your certificate.

Trademark Fees You Should Expect

Below are the official government fees (per class):

Stage

Government Fee (AED)

Notes

Application Fee

750

Paid when filing.

Publication Fee

750

Paid after acceptance for bulletin publication.

Final Registration Fee

5,000

Paid after the objection period for issuance.

Total (Official)

~6,500

Standard per class.

Express Inspection (Optional)

2,500

For expedited one-day review.

Fines and Deadlines

MOET imposes fines if payment deadlines are missed:

● Publication fee late payment: AED 100 per month (max AED 1,000).

● Final registration fee late payment: AED 1,000 per month (max AED 10,000).

Being timely ensures you keep your application valid and avoid unnecessary costs.

Required Documents

Depending on the applicant category:

● Individuals (UAE residents): No commercial licence needed if the application is in your name.

● Companies: A valid trade licence is required.

Foreign applicants: Must file through a registered trademark agent and attach a legal, notarized power of attorney.

Typical Timeline for Trademark Registration

● Application submission to acceptance: ~45–90 working days.

● Publication & objection period: 30 days after publication.

● Final registration and certificate issuance: After fees are paid post-objection period.

Total timelines vary depending on whether objections arise, but preparing documentation correctly can help ensure a smoother process.

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

1. Incomplete or Incorrect Documents

Ensure all required documents, including power of attorney for agents, are complete and correctly formatted before you file.

2. Wrong Class Selection

Using an incorrect Nice Classification for goods or services can delay your application. Doing a pre-filing classification review helps.

3. Conflicts with Existing Marks

Conducting a trademark search during preparation can reduce the risk of similarity conflicts.

4. Publication Objections

Preparing for potential oppositions by third parties and having evidence to support your mark helps manage this phase.

Summary Table: Trademark Registration Steps

Step

Action

Government Fee

1

Submit Application

AED 750

2

Examination

(Included above)

3

Publication

AED 750

4

Objection Period

(No fee)

5

Final Registration

AED 5,000

6

Certificate Issuance

Included above

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official cost to register a trademark in the UAE?
The official government fees are about AED 6,500 per class: AED 750 (application), AED 750 (publication), and AED 5,000 (final registration).

Does a foreign company need an agent?
Yes — foreign applicants must file through a registered trademark agent and provide a certified power of attorney.

How long does trademark registration take?
MOET usually issues a decision within 45–90 working days after filing.

What happens if someone objects after publication?
There is a 30-day objection period after publication during which third parties can oppose your mark.

Can I expedite the review?
Yes — there is an optional express inspection service for faster examination at an additional cost.

Can I register the same trademark under multiple classes in the UAE?

Yes. A trademark can be registered in multiple classes, but each class requires a separate application and separate government fees.

Is trademark registration mandatory to operate a business in the UAE?
No. Trademark registration is not mandatory to operate, but without it, your brand has no exclusive legal protection against misuse or copying.

Can I register a trademark before obtaining a trade license?
For companies, a valid trade license is required. Individuals may apply in their own name, but trademark use must still comply with UAE regulations.

Does UAE trademark registration protect my brand internationally?
No. UAE trademark protection is territorial and only applies within the United Arab Emirates. Separate filings are required for other countries.

Can foreign companies register trademarks in the UAE?
Yes. Foreign companies can register trademarks, but they must file through a registered UAE trademark agent with a notarized power of attorney.

What types of trademarks can be registered in the UAE?

The UAE allows registration of:
  • word marks
  • logos
  • combined word and logo marks
  • symbols and designs

As long as they meet distinctiveness and legal requirements.

Can Arabic and English trademarks be registered together?

Arabic and English versions are treated as separate trademarks. Each language version must be filed and registered independently.

What happens if I miss a trademark renewal deadline?

Trademarks are valid for 10 years. If not renewed on time, late penalties apply. Continued non-renewal can lead to cancellation of the trademark.

Can I change my trademark after filing?

No. Once submitted, the trademark itself cannot be altered. Any changes require a new application.

Is trademark publication mandatory in the UAE?

Yes. All accepted trademarks must be published in the official trademark bulletin, followed by a 30-day objection period.

What if someone files an objection against my trademark?

If an objection is filed, both parties are given the opportunity to submit arguments. MOET reviews the case before issuing a final decision.

Does trademark registration give me automatic enforcement rights?

Registration gives you legal ownership, but enforcement actions such as complaints or court cases must still be actively pursued by the trademark owner.

Why Work with Fintrack Tax Consultants LLC

Trademark registration in the UAE is a legal and procedural process with distinct stages, deadlines, and fee requirements. Missing any step or deadline can lead to extra costs or delays. Fintrack Tax Consultants LLC helps businesses:

● Prepare accurate filings in compliance with MOET requirements

● Choose correct classes and avoid common pitfalls

● Respond promptly to objections or examiner queries

● Ensure timely fee payments and document submission

Get Started Now

Fintrack Tax Consultants

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