WHAT IS A TRADEMARK?
A trademark is a brand name, symbol or logo used by a company to identify products and services that are legally registered or established under its business entity. All trademarks in the UAE are registered under the UAE Trademark Law. Trademarks are legally protected in the UAE for a period of 10 years following the date of official Trademarks registration.
A registered Trademarks creates several benefits for a company, especially for those businesses who are operating in a foreign land. Benefits of Trademarks registration in the UAE include:
SECURITY
When you register your trademark in the UAE, you’re legally protecting your intellectual property from unauthorised use. Your trademark legally proves that you are the owner of the registered trademark and that your company controls any/all exclusive rights to the trademark. Essentially, this keeps other people and businesses from using your registered trademark without proper permission. Any individual or company who uses your registered trademark without your permission is breaking the law and they could face legal penalties. Additionally, you can sue any individual who uses or copies your trademark without authorised permission.
BRAND AWARENESS
When a brand, logo, goods, or services are registered, it’s a sign of originality and authenticity. Registered trademarks distinguish one idea from another. Additionally, you can use your trademark as a marketing tool to set yourself apart from your competitors and to help grow your brand awareness.
CREDIBILITY
Possessing a registered trademark communicates a company’s authenticity for being a valued supplier of specific products and services. When you register a trademark, you’re planning for the future success of your company. Additionally, a trademark will help you build your brand awareness and reputation as a credible business.
ASSETS
A trademarked brand or logo can become an asset to your company over time. A solid reputation and following from your customers will help the value of your trademark appreciate over time. You can even authorise another person or company to use your trademark in return for a licensing fee. Additionally, a registered trademark with a great reputation can drastically increase the value of your company if you ever decide to sell.
6 STEPS TO REGISTERING YOUR TRADEMARK IN THE UAE
Registering a trademark in the UAE is a fairly straightforward process, as long as the trademark itself is available. However, a UAE company partner, such as the experts at Creation Business Consultants, can help to ensure your application contains all of the correct information.
- Research existing trademarks – The first step to obtaining a registered trademark is to determine whether or not your trademark is already registered in the UAE. You can start with a simple Google search or conduct a free search online at a trademark website, such as Trademark Engine. Once you’re confident your desired trademark isn’t already in use, you can move on to the trademark registration application process.
- Download and complete your application form – The UAE Ministry of Economy processes all trademark applications, and you can begin the application process online by visiting their e-services site. It’s important you thoroughly fill out your application. Failure to do so may result in a rejection of your application. To complete the trademark application, you’ll need the following documentation:
- Sample of the trademark design (such as brand name or logo).
- Power of attorney.
- Trading license.
- ID or passport of the individual who will sign the application.
- List of goods and services to be protected under the trademark.
- Contact details of the applicant (such as email address, physical address, and phone number).
- Fees – Once you have filled out the proper documentation, you will need to remit your trademark payment fee. Payments can also be completed online as part of the Ministry of Economy’s e-services process. Total payment for each trademark application varies depending on a range of factors, to include the type of trademark, registration fees, and translation fees (when applicable).
- Ministry of Economic review – Once you’ve submitted your trademark application and have paid all of your fees, the Ministry of Economy will review your application. Assuming everything in your application is correct and there are no concerns, you can expect to receive an approval within 30 days. If your application is rejected for any reason, you have the right to appeal or modify your application.
- Publishing your application in two national papers – Before your trademark is officially registered, you must pay the Ministry a fee to publish the announcement of your application in two Arabic newspapers in the UAE. If for some reason a member of the public has an objection to your trademark application, they have 30 days to file their objections. In the event of a registered objection, the Ministry will further review your application.
- Registration – Once approved, you’ll receive a certificate of your trademark registration in the UAE. This certificate will include the date of your application and registration, your registration number, the business owner’s name and trade name, your trademark, and a description of the products, goods or services that are protected under your trademark. Once you have registered your trademark, it will remain valid in the UAE for 10 years. Once the 10-year timeframe is over, you hall need to pay a fee to retain the trademark.
CREATION BUSINESS CONSULTANTS
At Creation, we’ve helped business owners from all over the world to successfully set up their companies in Dubai and the UAE (including the UK, USA, Europe, Asia, and Australia). Regardless of the size of your company, we provide expert advice and solutions designed to make sure you maintain control of your company.
Whether you are a startup, SME, entrepreneur or a multinational company, our team of experts have the skills and experience to successfully set up your company in Dubai and the UAE. Need help registering your trademark? We can assist with that too!
Contact a member of our team today to schedule your free consultation.
