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United Arab Emirates · Updated October 2026

Trade name vs trademark in the UAE

Many businesses think their licence name protects their brand. It does not — and disputes often start there.

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Quick answer

A trade name is the name on your trade licence, reserved with the emirate’s licensing authority (for example Dubai Economy and Tourism or ADDED). A trademark is your brand, registered federally with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. Only the trademark protects the brand across the UAE.

Checked against official sources on 11 October 2026 · see sources

Two different registrations

Trade nameTrademark
What it isThe legal name on your trade licenceYour brand: name, logo, slogan
WhereThe emirate’s licensing authority or free zoneMinistry of Economy and Tourism (federal)
CoversYour licence in that emirateAll seven emirates, for your classes
Stops others using your brand?NoYes

Why it matters

The UAE is first-to-file for trademarks. If someone registers your brand as a trademark first, your licensed trade name may not protect you — and you may have to change it. A trademark search before you choose a name avoids that.

What to do

  1. Check the name in the trademark register.
  2. Reserve the trade name for your licence.
  3. Register the brand as a trademark in the classes you trade in (classes).

Questions

Does my Dubai trade name protect my brand?
No. It only reserves the name for your licence. Register a trademark to protect the brand.
Can my trade name and trademark be different?
Yes. Many companies trade under a brand that differs from their legal name. Register the brand as the trademark.

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