Trademark infringement and enforcement in the UAE
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Start with registration
Enforcement is far easier with a registered UAE trademark. If you have not registered yet, file now — the UAE is first-to-file.
Enforcement routes
- Ministry complaint — the Ministry of Economy and Tourism accepts infringement complaints (official fee AED 2,250).
- Local economic departments — each emirate’s economic department can act against shops selling counterfeit goods.
- Customs — rights holders can work with customs authorities, such as Dubai Customs, to stop counterfeit imports at the border.
- Police and public prosecution — for criminal counterfeiting.
- Civil courts — for injunctions and damages.
- Online — marketplace and social-media takedowns, and domain-name complaints.
Penalties
The trademark law sets criminal penalties for counterfeiting and for knowingly selling counterfeit goods, including imprisonment and fines, with higher penalties for repeat offenders. A firm can advise on the right route and the current figures for your case.
Practical steps
- Collect evidence: photos, purchases, invoices, screenshots with dates.
- Check your registration covers the goods or services being copied.
- Ask a firm to assess the case before contacting the other side.
Questions
What can I do if someone copies my brand in Dubai?
If your trademark is registered in the UAE, you can file a complaint, involve the economic department or customs, or go to court. A local firm can advise on the fastest route.
Can I act if my trademark is not registered?
It is much harder. Unregistered rights are limited in the UAE, except for well-known marks.