The United Arab Emirates is a member to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. The international classification of goods and services (Nice Classification, 8th edition) for the purpose of registration of marks is followed in United Arab Emirates. The Law covers the seven Emirates of Dubai, Abu-Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al-Khaimah, Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al-Quwain. A separate application has to be filed with respect to each class of goods or services. A certified translation of the trademark is to be submitted as well.
Procedure: Once the application is filed, it is queued to be examined as to the trademark registrability. Accepted applications by the Registrar are published in the Trademark Journal and two local Arabic newspaper. There is 30 days period for filing an opposition by any interested party. In absence of an opposition, the published trademark is registered, and the certificate of registration is issued.
Registration Validity: 10 years, renewable for other consecutive periods, each of which is 10 years.
Renewal Time: Application for Renewal should be submitted during the last year of the protection period. There is 3 months grace-period for late renewal upon payment of lateness fine. (renewal is to be published in the Trademark Journal and in two local Arabic newspaper).
Trade/Service mark Use: Not pre-requisite for registration. However, a trademark is vulnerable for cancellation by any interested party, who may prove that the trademark was not actually used for five consecutive years. |
