In the United Arab Emirates the legal basis is the Federal Trademark Law No. 8. The United Arab Emirates have one common (Federal) Trademark Law which covers the seven emirates of Dubai, Abu-Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al-Kaimah, Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al-Quwain. The international classification of goods and services consisting of 45 classes has been adopted (exceptions: classes 32 and 33: trademark protection cannot be achieved for alcoholic beverages).Trademark protection is obtained by registration. It can also be acquired by sufficient public recognition.

Trademark registration: Requirements

A trademark application has to be filed before the Trademark Office by a local agent. A notarized power of attorney authenticated by a consulate of the Emirates is necessary. Foreign applicants do not need a domestic registration. A separate application has to be filed for each class. Similar trademarks may be protected together with the main trademark as associated trademarks for the same owner, in case the main elements are similar and the differences irrelevant.

Trademark registration: Procedure

The application process includes a formal examination, an examination of distinctiveness and a search for prior trademarks. It takes approximately 12-15 months from first filing to registration. Before registration, the trademark application is published in the Trademark Bulletin as well as in two local daily Arabic newspapers within 30 days from the approval of the publication form. The opposition period is 30 days from the date of the last publication since a trademark application is published in the Trademarks Journal and two local newspapers in accordance with the Federal Trademark Law.

Trademark registration: Duration

A trademark registration in the United Arab Emirates is valid for 10 years and starts with filing date. The registration is renewable for periods of 10 years.

Trademark registration: Methods

NATIONAL REGISTRATION: If you just want to register your Trademark in one country, it is sufficient to apply for a national registration at the local trademark office.

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Duly note, if the trademark has not been used within 5 years from issue of the registration certificate or has not been used later for a continuous period of 5 years, it may be subject to cancellation.