The short answer
A UAE trademark is registered with the Ministry of Economy and protected for ten years from the filing date, renewable for further ten-year periods. After acceptance it is published, and anyone can oppose it within 30 days. A mark not used for five consecutive years can be cancelled at the request of an interested party.
How long does trademark protection last?
Ten years from the filing date, renewable for further ten-year periods (Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021, Article 21). Protection runs from filing, not from approval, so filing early secures the date. Put the renewal date in your compliance calendar the day the certificate arrives.
What are the steps to register a trademark?
Search the register for similar marks, choose the classes for your goods or services, file with the Ministry of Economy, answer any examination objections, and wait for publication. Any interested party can oppose within 30 days of publication (Article 15). If there is no opposition, or it fails, the mark is registered once the fees are paid.
“is (10) ten years starting from the date of filing the application”
Can an unused trademark be cancelled?
Yes. Any interested party can ask for cancellation of a mark that has not been used for five consecutive years, unless circumstances beyond the owner's control prevented use (Article 24). Keep dated evidence of use, such as invoices, packaging and adverts, for each registered class.
Why register before launching a brand?
Because a registration is what lets you stop copies, act against counterfeit imports and license or sell the brand. Trade name registration with a licensing authority does not give the same protection. We search before you spend on design and signage, then file in the classes that match how you actually trade.
Do you offer trademark searches, watching and disputes?
Yes, as three linked services. A clearance search before filing checks the register for identical and confusingly similar marks in your classes. A watch service monitors new publications so you can oppose a conflicting application inside the 30-day window. For disputes, we prepare oppositions, responses to objections and non-use cancellation actions with the evidence the Ministry expects (Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021).
Frequently asked questions
Does a trade licence protect my brand name?
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No. A trade name and a registered trademark are different rights. Register the trademark for protection against copies.
Can I register a logo and a word mark?
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Yes, as separate applications or as a combined mark. Separate filings usually give wider protection.
How long does registration take?
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Several months, depending on examination and whether anyone opposes during the 30-day window.
Sources
- Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 on Trademarks — UAE Government (government.ae). Checked 17 October 2026.