UAE with its world-class business infrastructure, providing a great opportunity to investors and entrepreneurs all across the globe to come and set up their businesses. UAE has helped businesses enjoying attractive incentives in a great financial climate. If you are also considering setting up your business in Dubai or any other city in the UAE, you are on the right path.
However, you may come across businesses similar to yours that provide the same items or services. In such a circumstance, you will need to highlight your company's unique traits and try to differentiate your business so that you may attract more customers.
You can easily accomplish this using your preferred brand or logo, making your company instantly identifiable and attracting customers. And, here comes the importance of trademark registration.
Trademark Registration in a Nutshell
A trademark is a sign, a word or a combination of words or a design that represents a corporation or a brand. Below are the types of marks that can be registered in the UAE:
- Letters, numbers, and any characters
- Words (including personal names)
- Designs that include logos, symbols, badges, emblems, and devices
- Colour (alone or in combination with other elements)
- Motion pictures and other audiovisual formats
- Sound recordings
Since it is legally registered, no other company has the right to copy or use it for its intended purpose without prior authorization. This unique recognizability aids in distinguishing the goods or service of a business from its competitors. The Ministry of Economy of the United Arab Emirates is in charge of trademark registration, renewal and revocation.
Who Can Apply for Trademark Registration?
- An individual who is a citizen of the UAE or any other Arab country, or who “resides” there may apply for trademark registration.
- Any legal person “duly established” under the laws of the UAE or any other Arab country is eligible to apply for trademark registration.
- Or, any foreign national or company can apply for a registered patent and trademark attorney in the UAE.
Step-by-Step Process for UAE Trademark Registration
Step 1. Investigate Current Trademarks
Before registering a trademark, the first step will be to conduct a UAE trademark search to determine whether the desired trademark is already in use. This can be discovered by conducting an online search. If it is discovered that another business entity is using it, you will be automatically unable to utilise it. The procedure for registering a trademark begins only after the proper trademark is selected. You can always take help from a company formation specialist.
Step 2. Fill Out the Trademark Application
The next step in your journey of trademark registration is to submit a trademark application to the Ministry of Economy. For this, you need to visit the official website and 'Services' on the homepage.
Then, from the dropdown menu, select 'E-Services'. Next, navigate to 'Trademark Registration,' where you will see a completed application form.
You can also upload all of the other needed documents here!
You need to fill up the following information in the application:
- Copy of trade licence
- Trademark logo
- Passport copy
- Power of attorney
- Priority documentation
- List any products or services that you want to be covered by this trademark.
Step 3. Make the Payment for the UAE Trademark Registration Fees
After obtaining the relevant paperwork, you must pay a trademark registration cost. This payment can be done online using the Ministry of Economy's e-services portal. You may have to pay additional legal fees or a translation cost.
Step 4. Wait for the Evaluation of Your Application by the Ministry of Economy
Your application for trademark registration in the UAE will be reviewed by the Ministry of Economy. While it is uncommon, simple typing mistakes or misspelt information can result in rejection. Taking help from a company formation expert is the ideal way.
Step 5. Newspaper Publication
Following your approval, the Ministry will publish the document in two national newspapers. It should be mentioned that the applicant will bear the cost of printing the announcement in the two newspapers. If someone has any concerns about the trademark, they must file a complaint within 30 days of the application being published.
Step 6. Final Registration
Assuming that no one objects to the trademark registration, you are now ready to move on to the next step!
It is now time to get your official trademark registration certification from the trademark office. This will include your:
- The application's date
- Number of registration
- Your company name
- Owner's name
- The brand name
- An overview of your product, commodities, and services.
You are now officially prepared to conduct business with the confidence that you are secure.
Final Words
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