Trademark objections and refusals in the UAE

Why the Ministry objects

• Too close to an earlier mark — the same or a similar name or logo for the same or related goods.
• Descriptive or generic — words that describe the product or praise it (Best, Fresh, Premium), or place names.
• Goods and services wording — vague terms or items in the wrong class.
• Prohibited signs — religious words, official names, flags and emblems, or anything misleading or against public order.
• Missing documents — e.g. a power of attorney or a translation.

How to answer an objection

1. Read the decision — note the ground and the exact deadline (usually 30 days).
2. Argue the case — show the marks differ in look, sound and meaning, or the goods are unrelated; send evidence of use and reputation.
3. Narrow the goods and services — dropping the items that overlap often solves a similarity objection.
4. Disclaim or amend — disclaim the descriptive word, or file the mark with a distinctive logo.
5. Get consent — a letter of consent from the earlier owner can help.

If the refusal stands

File a grievance with the Trademark Grievance Committee within 30 days of the decision (official fee AED 5,000). A party unhappy with the committee’s decision can go to the Federal Court of Appeal. Deadlines are short — missing one usually ends the application, and the fees already paid are lost. See opposition and appeals.

How to avoid an objection

Check the name before you file with the free trademark health check, pick the right classes with the class finder, and have an agent draft the goods and services list.

Questions