International trademark filings and the UAE
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The UAE and the Madrid System
The UAE joined the Madrid Protocol on 28 September 2021, and it took effect for the UAE on 28 December 2021. A UAE applicant can file one international application, based on a UAE application or registration, and designate other member countries. Foreign owners can designate the UAE in their own international application.
Madrid or national filing?
- Madrid — one application, one fee schedule and one renewal date across many countries. Good for wide coverage. For five years the international registration depends on the home (base) mark.
- National filings — filed country by country through local agents. Often better for a few key markets, or for countries that are not in the Madrid System.
Foreign brands entering the UAE
Owners based outside the UAE must use a registered UAE trademark agent for a national filing, with a notarised, legalised and translated power of attorney. Register before you appoint a distributor — in a first-to-file system, a distributor or third party could file your brand first.
Gulf and Arab markets
There is no single regional trademark covering the GCC. Each country needs its own registration or a Madrid designation where available. Firms on TrademarksHub cover each country; compare UAE firms or post one request for several countries.