Trademark registration for DIFC companies

DIFC and the federal register

DIFC registers companies and has its own laws and courts for many commercial matters, but trademarks are registered by the federal Ministry of Economy and Tourism. A DIFC company files in its own name with its commercial licence — see documents.

Classes for financial and tech brands

Financial services, banking, investment and insurance are Class 36; software and apps are Class 9 and Class 42; consulting and business services are Class 35. Fintech brands usually need more than one — find your classes.

Holding companies and IP ownership

Groups often hold their brands in a DIFC holding company and license them to operating companies. File in the name of the company that should own the mark, and record the licences so the register shows who may use it.

Trade name is not a trademark

Your DIFC company name does not protect your brand. Register it as a trademark (trade name vs trademark).

Trademark registration by emirate and free zone

Emirates

• In DubaiFederal registration for Dubai businesses
• In Abu DhabiFederal registration for Abu Dhabi businesses
• In SharjahFederal registration for Sharjah businesses
• In AjmanFederal registration for Ajman businesses
• In Ras Al KhaimahFederal registration for Ras Al Khaimah businesses
• In FujairahFederal registration for Fujairah businesses
• In Umm Al QuwainFederal registration for Umm Al Quwain businesses

Free zones

• DMCC companiesFederal registration for DMCC free zone companies
• JAFZA companiesFederal registration for JAFZA free zone companies
• ADGM companiesFederal registration for ADGM free zone companies
• RAKEZ companiesFederal registration for RAKEZ free zone companies

Questions