UAE Trademark Laws
Any unique Names, Logos, or Short slogans that help distinguish a business, ‘goods’ or ‘services’ from other goods and services in a particular geographic area can be called a Trademark. There are stringent Federal Laws of the United Arab Emirates which serve to provide protection for registered trademarks. The laws are implemented to safeguard the interests of both businesses and consumers in the country. The UAE Trademarks Registration Laws cover the following main areas:
What are the Requirements for UAE Trademark Registration ?
The Ministry of Economy is the authority determining the registration of trademarks in UAE. If any person aspires to use trademarks for differentiating goods, products or services from others, he/she can apply for registration as per the trademark laws. Trademark registration in UAE requires the following documents to be presented while filing the application:
United Arab Emirates has adopted the international classification of goods and services which comprise 45 classes (the exceptions are classes 32 and 33). Alcoholic beverages cannot achieve trademark protection. Each trademark class requires separate applications to be filed. With the main trademark, it may be possible to protect similar trademarks (as associated trademarks for the same owner) where the main elements are similar and there are only minor differences..
Trademark Registration Process in UAE
At Black Swan BSS, we are focused on transparency in services & clients are familiar with how we deliver results. Here are a few steps in the application process to be followed if you want to register a trademark in UAE:
Validity of trademarks registration in UAE
Trademarks registered in the United Arab Emirates have a validity of 10 years which starts with the filing date. The registration can be renewed for periods of 10 years. After you file your trademark application, we at Black Swan can automatically provide you with reminders and keep you update on your status.
Is doing a trademark search vital before filing a formal application?
In UAE, it is highly recommended to conduct a trademark search at the Trademark Registry before filing a formal application for registration. This helps you to check whether anyone else has prior rights on your proposed trademark & also to determine if your application has any chances of success.
How long is the registration valid in the UAE?
In United Arab Emirates, a trademark registration is valid for 10 years. But the registration is renewable for further periods of 10 years each.
What all things can be registered as trademarks in UAE?
You can register any significant form of names, words, signatures, letters, figures, graphics, logos, titles, hallmarks, seals, pictures, patterns, announcements, packs or any other marks or group of marks as trademarks if they were used or intended to be used either to distinguish goods, products or services from others or to indicate that certain services, goods or products belong to the owner of the trademark because of their provision, manufacturing, selection or trading.
What is a patent?
A patent is the protection by law used to protect new inventions & ideas. It also covers the processes and methods used in creating such inventions. Law provides protection to the owner of the patent. With the registration of a patent the owner gets all the protection requisite from use or exploitation by others.
What is a copyright?
The work of authors, creators, and writers which includes dramatic, musical, artistic, literary and other intellectual works are protected by law and is termed as a copyright.
Is it possible to register my own name as a trademark?
In most cases, it may not be possible to register a proper name like yours, as a trademark. But exceptions are possible if you can show that your name has become identified in the minds of public with your specific goods and/or services.
How can I register my trademark worldwide?
Global trademark registration does not have a single window system. Applications are to be filed separately for each jurisdiction, except in cases where a treaty allows some countries to have a single application. Madrid Protocol which covers multiple jurisdictions is a typical example, but UAE is not a party to the Madrid Protocol.
Who can challenge the registration of my trademark?
A third party who may claim prior rights to the trademark can challenge the registration of a trademark. Typically, this can happen at the time of publication of the trademark in the Trademark Journal and local newspapers as part of the registration process. If the trademark is challenged then all essential processes should be followed before an application is finally successful.