Cost of Registering a Trademark in Dubai: Fees and Procedure

Registering a trademark in Dubai requires payment of official fees, submission of specific documents, and adherence to the procedure established by Federal Decree-Law No. 36/2021 on Trademarks, which governs trademark matters throughout the UAE, including the Emirate of Dubai.

Related Services: Explore our Intellectual Property Law Advisory and Trademark Registration services for practical legal support in this area.

WHAT ARE THE OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT FEES FOR TRADEMARK REGISTRATION IN DUBAI?

The UAE Trademark Office, operating under the Ministry of Economy, levies a structured set of fees for each class of goods or services included in an application. The filing fee is AED 800 per class, the publication fee is AED 500 per class, and the registration fee-payable once the mark has passed examination and opposition-is AED 1 000 per class. If an applicant elects to request an accelerated examination, an additional AED 2 000 per class is charged. These amounts are prescribed by ministerial decision and are payable directly to the Trademark Office; no further government levies are imposed for the basic registration process.

The fee schedule is designed to cover the administrative work associated with formalities checking, substantive examination, publication in the Official Gazette, and issuance of the registration certificate. Because each class is treated independently, the total cost scales linearly with the number of classes selected. Applicants should therefore calculate the expected expense by multiplying the per-class fees (filing + publication + registration) by the intended number of classes, and then add any expedited-examination surcharge if applicable.

HOW MANY CLASSES CAN BE INCLUDED IN A SINGLE TRADEMARK APPLICATION IN DUBAI?

A single trademark application may encompass any number of classes from the Nice Classification system; the UAE Trademark Law does not impose a numerical cap. However, the law mandates that a separate filing, publication, and registration fee be paid for each class. Consequently, while there is no restriction on the breadth of goods or services that can be covered, the financial implication grows with each additional class.

Practically, applicants are advised to conduct a thorough analysis of their current and anticipated product or service portfolio before filing. Including all relevant classes in the initial submission avoids the need for later amendments, which would attract administrative charges and potentially delay the registration timeline. If a business later expands into new categories, a separate application or a request to add classes (subject to the Office's approval) would be required, each incurring its own fee set.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST ACCOMPANY A TRADEMARK FILING IN DUBAI?

The filing package must contain the following items, all submitted in PDF format through the Ministry of Economy's electronic portal:

1. Completed application form - the official form prescribed by the Trademark Office, detailing applicant information, representation of the mark, and the classes sought.
2. Clear representation of the trademark - a high-resolution image of the logo, word mark, combination mark, or any non-traditional element (e.g., sound waveform, scent description). The representation must be sufficiently detailed to allow the Office to assess distinctiveness.
3. Power of attorney - if the application is filed through an agent or legal representative, a notarised power of attorney authorised for use before the UAE Trademark Office is required. The document must be attested (if issued abroad) and translated into Arabic where necessary.
4. List of goods or services - a precise enumeration of the items covered, classified according to the Nice Classification. Each entry should correspond to the class numbers selected in the application.
5. Arabic transliteration (if applicable) - when the mark contains non-Arabic characters, a transliteration into Arabic script must be provided to satisfy the Office's examination requirements.

All documents must be legible, free of alterations, and uploaded within the stipulated file-size limits. Failure to provide any of the above items will result in a formalities objection, prompting the Office to request correction before proceeding to substantive examination.

HOW LONG DOES THE TRADEMARK REGISTRATION PROCESS TAKE IN DUBAI?

Under normal circumstances-absent objections, oppositions, or requests for amendment-the timeline from filing to registration typically spans six to twelve months. The process unfolds in several distinct phases:

• Formalities check (approximately two weeks): the Office verifies that the application form, representation, power of attorney, and goods/services list meet procedural requirements.
• Substantive examination (about three months): an examiner assesses the mark's distinctiveness, checks for conflicts with prior registrations or pending applications, and evaluates compliance with public order and morality provisions.
• Publication in the Official Gazette (30-day opposition period): once the mark clears examination, it is published, allowing any third party to file an opposition based on likelihood of confusion, prior rights, or other grounds.
• Registration certificate issuance (one to two months after the opposition period ends): if no opposition is filed, or if any opposition is resolved in the applicant's favor, the Office issues the registration certificate and records the mark in the national register.

If an opposition is lodged, the process may extend by several additional months, depending on the complexity of the evidence and whether a hearing is requested. Applicants who opt for accelerated examination can reduce the substantive examination phase to roughly four weeks, thereby shortening the overall timeline, provided the Office's workload permits the expedited service.

WHAT HAPPENS IF A THIRD PARTY OPPOSES MY TRADEMARK APPLICATION IN DUBAI?

During the 30-day publication window, any interested party may file a notice of opposition. Upon receipt, the Trademark Office notifies the applicant and establishes a timetable for the submission of evidence and arguments from both sides. The opposition proceedings are governed by the same substantive provisions that apply during examination, namely the assessment of similarity, likelihood of confusion, and compliance with public order considerations.

The applicant may respond in several ways:

• Filing a counter-statement that addresses the opponent's grounds and presents supporting evidence (e.g., prior use, distinctiveness, market surveys).
• Requesting a hearing before the Trademark Office's opposition committee, allowing oral arguments and clarification of factual disputes.
• Amending the mark (e.g., limiting the goods/services, altering the representation) to overcome the objection, subject to the Office's approval.

Failure to submit a response within the prescribed period results in the application being deemed abandoned. If the opposition proceeds to a hearing and the Office finds in favor of the opponent, the application will be refused; conversely, a favorable decision permits the mark to advance to registration. Either party may appeal the Office's decision to the competent civil courts within the timeframe stipulated by the UAE Trademark Law.

ARE THERE ANY RENEWAL FEES FOR A TRADEMARK REGISTERED IN DUBAI?

A trademark registration is valid for ten years from the filing date and may be renewed indefinitely for successive ten-year periods. The renewal fee is AED 1 000 per class, payable during the final year of the current term or within a six-month grace period after expiry. If renewal is effected during the grace period, a surcharge of 50 % (i.e., an additional AED 500 per class) applies.

Renewal requires submission of a renewal request form and proof of payment. No substantive re-examination is conducted unless the mark has been cancelled for non-use (i.e., lack of genuine use in the UAE for a continuous period of five years). Consequently, as long as the mark remains in use and the renewal fees are paid timely, protection can be maintained perpetually.

CAN I REGISTER A TRADEMARK THAT IS ALREADY REGISTERED IN ANOTHER EMIRATE OR FREE ZONE?

Trademark rights in the UAE are territorial at the Emirate level; however, a registration issued by the Ministry of Economy possesses nationwide effect, covering all Emirates, including free zones such as DIFC and ADGM, unless a particular free zone maintains its own separate trademark register. In practice, most free zones recognise the federal registration, but applicants should verify the specific policies of the free zone in question.

If a free zone does operate an independent register, a federal registration does not automatically confer protection within that zone, and a separate filing may be necessary. Conversely, a registration obtained solely within a free zone does not extend to the broader UAE territory unless it is also registered with the Ministry of Economy.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF USING AN UNREGISTERED TRADEMARK IN DUBAI?

Using a mark that is not registered does not constitute a criminal offence under UAE law. However, an unregistered user lacks the statutory presumption of ownership and exclusive rights that accompany registration. In enforcement actions, the proprietor of an unregistered mark must rely on common-law doctrines such as passing off or unfair competition, bearing a higher burden of proof to establish prior use, reputation, and likelihood of confusion.

While civil remedies (e.g., injunctions, damages) remain available, the absence of registration can make it more difficult to deter infringers and to secure swift relief. Consequently, businesses seeking robust brand protection are advised to pursue registration as a preventive measure.

IS IT MANDATORY TO RECORD A TRADEMARK LICENCE WITH THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMY IN DUBAI?

Recording a licence is not a prerequisite for its validity between the licensor and licensee. Nevertheless, recording the licence with the Trademark Office confers several advantages: it provides public notice of the licence's existence, facilitates enforcement against third-party infringers, and ensures that subsequent transferees of the mark are bound by the licence's terms.

The UAE Trademark Law permits either party to request recordation, and once recorded, the licence is enforceable against subsequent acquirers of the mark. The administrative fee for recordation is AED 500 per licence.

HOW DOES THE UAE'S ACCESSION TO THE MADRID PROTOCOL AFFECT TRADEMARK FILING IN DUBAI?

The UAE is not a member of the Madrid Protocol; therefore, international registration via the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is not available. Applicants seeking protection in multiple jurisdictions must file separate national applications, including a UAE application through the Ministry of Economy. This requirement influences cost planning for businesses with global branding strategies, as each jurisdiction incurs its own set of official fees, agent charges, and potential translation or localisation expenses.

WHAT PENALTIES APPLY FOR TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT IN DUBAI?

Infringement of a registered trademark attracts both civil and criminal liability under the UAE Trademark Law. Criminal penalties include imprisonment of up to two years and/or a fine of not less than AED 5 000. The court may additionally order the seizure and destruction of infringing goods, award compensation for damages, and require the infringer to bear the cost of publishing the judgment. Criminal proceedings are initiated by the Public Prosecution upon complaint of the trademark owner.

Civil remedies, pursued independently or in conjunction with criminal action, may involve injunctive relief, account of profits, and compensatory damages. The availability of both tracks underscores the importance of timely registration and vigilant monitoring of the marketplace.

CAN I CONDUCT A TRADEMARK SEARCH BEFORE FILING IN DUBAI?

Yes, the Ministry of Economy provides an online trademark search portal that enables users to ascertain whether identical or similar marks are already registered or pending. The search results are indicative; they do not provide registrability because the substantive examination may still raise objections based on similarity, descriptiveness, or public order considerations.

For a comprehensive clearance opinion, many applicants engage a trademark attorney or agent to perform a professional search that includes analysis of phonetic, visual, and conceptual similarities, as well as an assessment of the mark's distinctiveness relative to the goods/services sought.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Nice Classification and how does it affect my filing in Dubai?
The Nice Classification is an internationally recognised system that groups goods and services into 45 classes for trademark purposes. The UAE Trademark Law requires applicants to specify the class(es) of goods or services for which protection is sought. Each class incurs separate filing, publication, and registration fees, and the classification determines the scope of examination and the potential for conflict with existing marks.

Can I claim priority based on an earlier foreign application when filing in Dubai?
The UAE is a party to the Paris Convention, which grants a six-month priority period from the first filing in a Convention country. To claim priority, the applicant must submit a certified copy of the foreign application and a translation if required, within six months of the foreign filing date. Priority ensures that the UAE filing date is treated as the earlier foreign date for novelty and conflict assessment.

What is the cost of hiring a trademark agent in Dubai?
Agent fees are not regulated by law and vary according to the complexity of the case, the number of classes, and whether opposition handling is included. Typical ranges are AED 2 000-AED 5 000 for filing a single-class mark, with additional charges for multi-class filings, opposition responses, or renewal services. Applicants should obtain a written fee agreement that outlines all anticipated costs.

Is it possible to expedite the examination of my trademark application in Dubai?
Yes, the Ministry of Economy offers an accelerated examination service for an extra fee of AED 2 000 per class. This service reduces the substantive examination period from approximately three months to about four weeks. The request must be made at the time of filing or shortly thereafter, and the accelerated timeline is subject to the Office's workload.

What should I do if I receive a cease-and-desist letter alleging trademark infringement in Dubai?
Upon receiving such a letter, the recipient should promptly review the claims, assess the similarity of the marks and the related goods or services, and consider seeking legal advice. Options include negotiating a coexistence agreement, modifying the mark to avoid confusion, or preparing a defence if the recipient believes the claim is unfounded. Ignoring the letter may lead to formal legal proceedings, including potential civil and criminal actions.

Can I register a scent or sound as a trademark in Dubai?
The UAE Trademark Law permits registration of non-traditional marks, including sounds, scents, and three-dimensional shapes, provided they are capable of graphical representation and distinguish the goods or services of one undertaking from those of others. Applicants must submit a clear description and, where applicable, an audio sample or scent representation that meets the Office's graphical representation requirements.

The information provided reflects the current legal framework as set out in Federal Decree-Law No. 36/2021 on Trademarks and related ministerial decisions. For advice tailored to your specific circumstances, consult a qualified legal professional.

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