Everything You Need to Know About Trademark Registration in Dubai

Last updated on 28-11-25

When you launch a new business in Dubai, your brand is one of the first things people notice. The name, the logo, the tagline. It all matters. But here’s the catch: if you don’t secure it early, someone else can. And in the UAE, that can turn into a costly problem.

Trademark registration in Dubai isn’t just a legal formality. It’s how you safeguard the identity you’re working hard to build. If you’re wondering how the process works, what it costs, or whether your mark even qualifies, you’re not alone. Many founders ask the same questions.

This guide breaks it down in a simple, practical way so you can protect your brand with confidence and move forward without second-guessing the legal side of things.

What is a trademark? 

Before we discuss trademark registration, let’s clear one thing up: what is a trademark? 

Simply put, a trademark is anything that identifies your business and sets it apart from others. It could be your brand name, logo, slogan, unique design, or even a sound. Essentially, it’s the part of your brand that people immediately recognise and associate with you.

Trademark vs Other Forms of Intellectual Property

When people hear “intellectual property,” they often assume it all works the same way. 

The truth? 

There are different types, and a trademark is just one piece of the puzzle. Knowing the difference helps you protect your business in the right way.

• Trademarks – Protect your brand identity: names, logos, slogans, or symbols that distinguish your business. If your goal is recognition and preventing copycats, trademarks are what you need.
  
• Patents – Cover new inventions, technologies, processes, or methods. Imagine you’ve developed a unique coffee machine that brews faster than any existing model, and patents prevent others from copying your innovation.
  
• Copyrights – Protect creative works like books, music, software, or artwork. For instance, if you write an original e-book or develop a software app, copyright ensures no one can legally reproduce or distribute your work without permission.
  
• Industrial Designs – Safeguard the visual design of objects, including shapes, patterns, or ornamentation. 

Each type of IP serves a different purpose. 

Trademarks protect your brand presence, patents protect innovation, copyrights protect creative expression, and industrial designs protect product aesthetics. 

For businesses in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE, combining these protections gives your company a strong legal shield and a competitive advantage.

Trademark Registration in the UAE

Trademark registration in the UAE is basically your way of saying, “this brand is mine.” You file your application with the UAE Ministry of Economy, and once it’s approved, you get full rights to your name, logo, or any identifier across all emirates, including Dubai. 

No confusion, no copycats, no someone-else-using-your-idea drama.

And here’s where the UAE really stands out. Your trademark isn’t just protected locally. The country is part of major global agreements that strengthen its rights far beyond its borders:

• Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property
  
• World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
  
• Madrid Protocol for international trademark registration
  

If you ever plan to expand outside the UAE, these memberships make your life a lot easier. Your brand protection travels with you.

Now, look at how fast trademark activity is growing.

From January to early November 2025, the UAE recorded 34,234 national and international trademark registrations. The first half of 2025 alone showed a 129% jump compared to the same period in 2024.

Even the previous year tells the same story. Registrations rose from 16,712 in 2023 to 31,537 in 2024, almost double.

All of this says one thing: businesses are taking trademark protection seriously. 

And you should, too. 

Registering early gives you control, credibility, and the peace of mind that your brand is actually yours as you grow.

Who Can Apply for Trademark Registration in the UAE?

Worried that trademark registration is only for certain types of businesses? Don’t be. 

The UAE keeps the door wide open. You can apply as an individual, a startup, an established company, or even a foreign business looking to enter the market – regardless of whether you’re operating in the mainland or a freezone.

Here’s a quick overview of who qualifies:

• UAE citizens or residents with a valid business license, including freelancers operating under a trade license
  
• UAE-based companies, no matter their size or structure
  
• GCC nationals with companies registered in the UAE
  
• International businesses with a licensed branch in the UAE or using a local registered trademark agent
  
• Government entities launching official services or products
  
• Joint ventures approved for commercial activity
  

The key requirement? Your brand, whether it’s a name, logo, or slogan, must comply with UAE laws and not infringe on existing trademarks. 

This is especially helpful if you’re building a brand from abroad and planning to enter the UAE market soon. You don’t need to wait until your business setup is complete. As long as you have a mark worth protecting, you can secure it early. And honestly, that’s smart — you don’t want someone else registering a name you’ve already invested in.

Types of Trademarks You Can Register

When you register a trademark in Dubai, it’s about protecting anything that identifies your brand and sets you apart. As per the Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 on trademarks, here’s what you can register:

• Words – Your brand name or tagline. This protects the words themselves, no matter how they’re styled. Example: “Nike” protects the name, even if someone tries a different font or design.
  
• Logos or Symbols – Visual elements like a logo or icon. This ensures that no one else can use a similar design to confuse your customers.
  
• Designs or Patterns – Unique product shapes or packaging. For instance, the distinct Coca-Cola bottle shape is registered to prevent imitation.
  
• Colours – Specific colours associated with your brand. This is less common but powerful if your brand is closely tied to a particular colour.
  
• Sounds – Unique sounds or jingles that identify your brand. Think of Intel startup chime or McDonald’s “I’m Lovin’ It” tune — it immediately signals the brand.
  
• Slogans or Taglines – Phrases that define your business. Protecting these stops competitors from using similar catchphrases.
  
• Combination Marks – A mix of text and visual elements. This gives broad protection if your logo and name appear together. For instance, Starbucks’ logo combines the siren symbol with the brand name.
  

By registering the right elements, you make it much harder for anyone to copy the parts of your brand that people recognise most. This isn’t just legal protection — it’s about owning your identity.

Benefits of Trademark Registration 

Let’s say you’ve just launched your Dubai-based startup, invested months designing your logo, and your brand is starting to get noticed. 

Then you find out someone else has registered a nearly identical name. Nightmare, right? This is exactly why registering your trademark early is crucial—it protects your brand before problems even start.

• Protect Your Brand from Copycats – A famous example is the Apple Corps vs. Apple Inc. dispute, where the Beatles’ company and Apple Inc. fought over brand rights for years. Even small Dubai businesses risk similar headaches if they delay registration.
• Build Customer Trust – A registered trademark signals credibility. Customers instantly recognise your brand and feel confident engaging with it. Think about Coca-Cola’s script logo; even without the bottle, the brand is instantly trusted worldwide.
• Avoid Costly Legal Battles – Waiting to register increases your risk of disputes. For example, in 2025, an Abu Dhabi court ordered a store to stop selling products and using a globally registered logo after it was found guilty of trademark infringement. The ruling covered storefronts, ads, and online promotions, showing how costly it can be to ignore early trademark registration.
• Increase Your Business Value –  A registered trademark isn’t just a legal formality; it’s an asset. It signals professionalism and credibility to investors, partners, and potential buyers. A protected brand can be licensed, franchised, or sold, making it a tangible part of your business valuation.
• Peace of Mind to Focus on Growth – Once your trademark is registered, you can concentrate on marketing, customer experience, and scaling your business without worrying about infringement. 

Documents Required for Trademark Registration in Dubai

Before you file for your trademark registration in Dubai, it’s important to get your documents ready. Preparing everything in advance makes the process smoother and helps avoid delays.

Here’s what you’ll need to submit:

• Clear copy of the trademark – This could be your logo, design, or brand symbol. Make sure it’s high-quality and easy to identify.
  
• Description of goods and services – Specify what your trademark covers under the NICE Classification system. This tells the Ministry of Economy exactly which products or services your brand applies to.
  
• Valid trade license – Whether your business is in the mainland or a free zone, a current trade license is mandatory.
  
• Passport and Emirates ID – Required for individual applicants to verify identity.
  
• Power of attorney – If you’re applying through a legal representative or a registered trademark agent, this document must be certified, notarised, and, if applicable, translated into Arabic.
  

Important note: The UAE does not allow registration of common words, offensive content, or symbols that resemble flags, coins, or currencies. 

By having these documents ready, you’re taking a proactive step toward securing your trademark in the UAE and protecting your brand from copycats.

Step-by-Step Process for Trademark Registration in Dubai

Trademark registration in Dubai may seem complicated at first, but understanding the main steps helps you see how the process flows. While it’s always best to work with professionals, here’s a simplified overview of what happens:

1. Conducting a Trademark Search

Before you even think about filing, you need to check if your brand is available. Ask yourself: Does anyone else already use a similar name, logo, or slogan? You can do this through the Ministry of Economy’s trademark database. This helps reduce the risk of conflicts and ensures your application has a higher chance of approval.

2. Filing the Application With the UAE Ministry of Economy

Once your search is clear, it’s time to submit your application to the Ministry of Economy, including your trademark details and other necessary documents. This officially starts the process of securing exclusive rights.

Important: If you’re applying as a foreign business or individual, it’s mandatory to submit your application through a registered trademark agent authorised by the Ministry of Economy. You’ll also need to provide a legal power of attorney, which must be certified, notarised, and translated into Arabic.

3. Reviewing and Evaluating Your Application

The Ministry reviews the application to make sure it meets all requirements and doesn’t conflict with existing trademarks. If they spot any issues, they’ll notify you. Fixing small mistakes at this stage is much easier than dealing with disputes later.

4. Trademark Publication in the UAE Gazette

Once your application passes the review, it gets published in the UAE Official Gazette. This makes your trademark public, so anyone who thinks it conflicts with theirs has a chance to raise an objection.

5. Objection Period and Approval

The objection period usually lasts 30 days. If no objections are raised or if any disputes are resolved in your favour, the Ministry moves forward with approval.

6. Receiving the UAE Trademark Registration Certificate

Finally, once everything is approved, you’ll receive your trademark registration certificate, valid for 10 years. This gives you nationwide legal rights to your brand in the UAE. You can now use the ® symbol and take action if anyone tries to copy your identity.

While this gives you an overview, having an expert by your side makes the whole journey easier. Connect with our specialists for professional support.

Cost of Trademark Registration in Dubai

One of the first questions business owners ask is: “How much does trademark registration in Dubai cost?” The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. 

Costs can vary depending on factors like the number of classes you want to protect and whether you engage professional services. Typically, fees cover application filing, examination, publication, and registration. You may also incur additional costs if you use legal assistance, a registered trademark agent, or conduct a thorough trademark search to avoid conflicts.

Here’s the takeaway: don’t let uncertainty about cost stop you from protecting your brand. Planning ahead and consulting authorised service providers or professionals ensures you understand the process and avoid unexpected expenses.

Certificate of Trademark

After your trademark is officially approved in the UAE, you receive something that actually matters: the Trademark Registration Certificate.

Think of it as your brand’s legal passport. It confirms that the mark is yours and that the UAE recognises your exclusive rights to use it.

Your certificate includes:

• Your official trademark registration number
  
• The application date and the registration approval date
  
• The expiry date of your trademark protection period
  
• Your name, nationality, and address (or your company details)
  
• A copy of the registered mark
  
• A clear list of the goods or services your trademark covers
  
• Details of any international priority rights, if applicable
  

This document is proof of ownership, but more importantly, it’s the shield you’ll rely on if anyone tries to copy your brand. 

Keep it safe – you’ll need it for renewals, legal enforcement, and future expansions.

How Vista Can Help With Trademark Registration in the UAE

You didn’t start a business to decode legal terms or chase government portals. You just want your brand protected—and you want it done right. That’s exactly where Vista Business Setup steps in.

1. We prepare and file your trademark correctly the first time.
No confusing forms, no trial-and-error. We run a proper search, confirm availability, and structure your application to match the Ministry of Economy’s requirements.

2. We take care of every legal formality for local and international founders.
If you’re applying from outside the UAE, you’ll need an authorised agent and a notarised POA. We arrange everything, keep it compliant, and remove the back-and-forth most applicants struggle with.

3. We stay with you until (and after) your trademark is approved.
We track deadlines, respond to Ministry queries, handle Gazette publication, and guide you on renewals and expansion. You get full visibility without doing the heavy lifting.

Vista makes trademark registration clear, fast, and fully managed – so you protect your brand without losing time or energy.

FAQs About Trademark Registration in Dubai, UAE

1. What is trademark registration in the UAE, and why does it matter?

Trademark registration is the legal process that protects your brand name, logo, or slogan in the UAE. It gives you exclusive rights to use your mark and stops others from copying it. If you’re entering the UAE market, this is one of the first steps to safeguarding your brand identity.

2. Who issues trademark registration in Dubai?

The UAE Ministry of Economy handles all trademark registrations, renewals, and cancellations across Dubai and the UAE. This ensures a uniform process for all businesses, whether in the mainland or free zones.

3. Is trademark registration mandatory to do business in the UAE?

No, it’s not legally required. However, registering your trademark is the only way to secure exclusive rights to your brand and prevent others from using it. For new businesses, it’s one of the smartest steps you can take.

4. How long does the UAE trademark registration process take?

On average, it takes 4 to 6 months, depending on whether there are objections, oppositions, or clarifications requested by the Ministry. Working with a registered agent can help streamline the process.

5. What documents do I need to register a trademark in Dubai?

You’ll need a clear logo or mark, a description of goods and services (NICE Classification), a valid trade license (mainland or freezone), a passport and Emirates ID for individuals, and a power of attorney if using a legal representative. Foreign applicants must submit a notarised and attested POA.

6. Who is eligible to register a trademark in the UAE?

Anyone can apply: individuals, UAE-based companies, freelancers, foreign businesses, GCC nationals with UAE-registered companies, and government entities. Even international applicants without a UAE presence can register through a licensed trademark agent.

7. Can my trademark be rejected?

Yes. Marks that are generic, offensive, misleading, or too similar to existing trademarks may be refused. A trademark search beforehand greatly reduces the risk of rejection.

8. What legal protection does a registered trademark provide?

A registered trademark gives you full legal backing. If someone uses your mark without permission, you can file a complaint with the Ministry of Economy and pursue civil or criminal action for infringement.

9. Can I sell, license, or transfer my trademark?

Absolutely. Trademarks are intellectual property, so they can be sold, licensed, or franchised under UAE law. This flexibility can help you monetise your brand or expand your business.

10. How long is a UAE trademark valid, and can it be renewed?

A registered trademark is valid for 10 years. You can renew it indefinitely in 10-year increments, ensuring long-term protection for your brand.