What comes to your mind when you think about Nike? Probably it’s the swoosh logo. Ever thought how a brands identity can be engraved on customers mind? Its all about crafting unique logos, styling, taglines and other elements, that give a brand a unique image of its own. However, there is always risk of these golden elements being copied or stolen. In Dubai too, when one establishes a business, they must necessarily think about securing their trademarks. That is where trademark registration in Dubai comes into the scene.
Dubai, which is a hub for entrepreneurs, is where countless brands are thriving. To make yourself stand out, you must invest religiously on branding. At the same time, you must consider protecting that branding. Let us look into what can be trademarked in Dubai, how the process works and what are the costs involved.
What is trademark registration in UAE
Let us first understand what a trademark is. Any unique word, name, letter, colour, mark or combination thereof that gives your brand a special and distinctive identity is called a trademark. It takes a lot of efforts as well as monetary resources in finalizing a brand’s trademark and it becomes essential to safeguard it.
In UAE, Ministry of Economy offers special service through which brands can get their trademarks registered. By registering the trademark with the Ministry, business can safeguard their brand elements by gaining legal rights and ownership over them for 10 long years. The period can be even further extended for the same time duration. Once your trademark gets registered, you get the legal powers to take action against anyone who tries to copy it.
Trade registration law in UAE
In UAE, the Ministry has introduced a Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 which regulates the trademarks and associated things with it such as definitions and processes. As per the law, any form of word, signatures, names, figures, letters, logos, graphics, hallmarks, pictures, seals, patterns, titles, and other such marks that identify a brands product and distinguishes them, can be trademarked. It is available to both individuals and companies. According to the law, certain marks cannot be trademarked which includes marks that offend public and moral sentiments, Red Cresent or any Red Cross symbols, religious signs, already registered marks, etc.
Benefits of trademark registration in Dubai
Getting your trademark registered offers many advantages to businesses, including:
Safeguarding the elements: First of all, your brand elements like logo, name, mark, taglines, etc cannot be copied by anyone.
Legal rights: You gain legal rights over your trademark and can take action against anyone who tries to copy it.
Builds credibility: Having your trademark registered makes the customers believe your brand is legitimate and at the same time provides recognition at global level.
Distinguish yourself: Having a trademark helps you stand out and distinguish your products from that of your competitors.
Copyright symbol: After your trademark gets registered, you can get a copyright symbol with your logo, marks etc. This reflects your exclusive right over the trademark.
Who can get trademark registered in Dubai
Individuals as well as businesses who wish to safeguard their trademarks and brand elements can register with the Ministry of Economy. This includes:
- UAE citizens engaged in commercial, professional or industrial activities in the nation. It can be artificial or natural person.
- Foreigners engaged in commercial, professional or industrial activities in the nation. It can be artificial or natural person.
- Other public legal entities
Step-by-step guide to trademark registration in UAE
The process of getting a trademark registration in Dubai is quite simple. Here are the general steps that need to be followed:
Check the suitability of the trademark:
Before you start the process of getting the trademark registered, it is essential to find out and ensure that your trademark follows the UAE law. For example, religious symbols cannot be trademarked. There are more such requirements that you will need to check out.
Make the application for registration:
Once you are satisfied that your business trademark is eligible to be registered, you can make an application for its registration with the Ministry of Economy. The process has been made very easy by the Ministry as you can easily make application through their online portal. Just look for the Trademark Registration Service on portal and fill in the online application. You will also need to attach certain documents and pay the registration fees. If you are foreigner making request, then you may need to involve trademark registration agent and submit power of attorney as well.
Examination of application:
Once you submit your trademark registration application, the registrar will review and examine it and check if it fulfils all the UAE trademark laws. You will then receive a decision which may be acceptance or rejection of request based on examination.
Announcement in Ministry’s official bulletin:
If your request is accepted, an official announcement will be published in Ministry’s trademark bulletin.
Let the objection period pass:
Once the announcement is made in the official gazette, a time period of 30 days is provided so that if anyone has any objection against it, they may oppose it.
Get your trademark registration certificate:
If no one opposes your trademark being registered, then you reach the final registration stage where you will make a payment and get your certificate issued. The certificate contains essential information such as the trademark registration number, date of registration, date of expiry, your personal information like name, address, and nationality, and a copy of the trademark.
Renewal of trademark registration in UAE
Your trademark registration offers a protection for period of 10 years after which it can be renewed. You just need to make an application for the same with Ministry of Economy. You can visit their official portal and there fill the application form. You will also need to submit documents like commercial license, power of attorney, current trademark registration certificate, as needed. Then, pay the necessary fees and renewed certificate will be issued to you.
Cancellation of trademark registration in UAE
In case you feel the need, you can also get the trademark registration cancelled at any time. It can be done for either a part of goods or completely. You again will have to make application with the Ministry through their online portal. You will have to provide letter explaining the reason for cancellation.
Cost of getting trademark registered in Dubai
The trademark registration UAE cost is AED 6,500* as per the Ministry of Economy. The cost includes application fees of AED 750*, registration fees of AED 5,000*, and publication fees of AED 750*. The cost of getting the trademark renewed can start from AED 6,500*.
The costs are subject to changes made by the Ministry. It is best to check out their official website for latest fees.
Get your trademark registration in Dubai done by professionals
Getting your business’s trademark registered is key to securing your brand’s essential elements that make it unique. Trademark registration in Dubai ensures you gain legal rights over your trademark and prevent its misuse. While the process is simple, it can still be time-consuming for you.
If you partner with the right business setup consultants, they can help speed up the process as they have in-depth knowledge about the trademark registration in Dubai and the associated procedures. Dubiz Business Setup is a trustworthy partner. Their experts can assist you with paperwork, research, and the entire process of getting your business’s trademark registered in the UAE. Not just that, they help with end-to-end company formation in UAE and offer cost-effective solutions for mainland, offshore and freezone business setup. Give them a call today!