Trademark registration for JAFZA companies

JAFZA licence vs UAE trademark

JAFZA licenses your company; trademarks are registered federally with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, online, in the company’s name with its licence. One registration covers Dubai and every other emirate. See how to register.

Distributors and brand owners

If you distribute a foreign brand, the trademark usually belongs to the brand owner, not to you. The owner registers it (often through the Madrid System) and can record a licence in your favour. If you own your own brand, file it in your JAFZA company’s name.

Stopping counterfeits at the border

Goods pass through Jebel Ali in large volumes. Once registered, you can record the trademark with Dubai Customs so suspected fakes are held for you to check — see customs recordation. Each emirate has its own customs, so brands with a counterfeit problem often record in several.

Cost and timing

AED 6,500 per class in official fees plus the agent’s fee (cost); a few months for a clean application (timeline).

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
• DIFC companiesFederal registration for DIFC free zone companies
• ADGM companiesFederal registration for ADGM free zone companies
• RAKEZ companiesFederal registration for RAKEZ free zone companies

Questions