How to Register Your Trademark When Setting Up a Company

In today’s competitive business world, building a company isn’t just about registering a trade license or finding the right location. It’s about protecting what makes your business yours. That begins with your trademark: your brand name, logo, or slogan.

At Verde, we help entrepreneurs across the UAE launch their businesses with confidence and that includes showing them exactly how to register your trademark so your identity stays safe as you grow.

If you’re starting a business in the UAE, this blog will guide you through everything you need to know about trademark registration.

What Is a Trademark and Why Does It Matter?

A trademark is any recognizable sign, design, or expression that distinguishes your product or service from others. This includes:

• Brand name

• Logo

• Tagline or slogan

• Product packaging

• Sound or jingle

Registering a trademark gives you legal ownership and exclusive rights to use it in the UAE. It also protects your brand from imitation or misuse by competitors, a must for startups and established businesses alike.

The UAE Ministry of Economy is the official authority overseeing trademark registration as per Federal Decree Law No. 36 of 2021 on trademarks: Registering IP: Trademark Guide & Intellectual Property. Registering your trademark gives you exclusive legal ownership in the UAE and protects your brand from unauthorized use or imitation.

When Should You Register Your Trademark?

Ideally, trademark registration should happen before or during your company setup. That way, your brand is secure from the moment you begin branding, marketing, or launching products, preventing costly legal disputes later.

Step-by-Step: How to Register Your Trademark in the UAE

1. Trademark Search

Start with a clearance search using the Ministry of Economy’s website to ensure your chosen name, logo, or slogan isn’t already registered.

2. Prepare Your Application

You'll need:

• A clear image of your mark (logo or wordmark)

• Trade license or personal ID

• Passport copy & Power of Attorney (if using an agent)

• Description of goods/services to be protected under the Nice Classification

3. Submit the Application

Apply online via the MoE portal. Foreign applicants must file through a UAE-registered agent and provide notarized Power of Attorney.

4. First Fee: AED 750

Upon submission, you’ll pay AED 750. Processing usually takes about 45 working days. Registration Link

5. Acceptance & Publication • Additional AED 750

If accepted, you pay another AED 750 for publication in the Official Gazette and local newspapers. A 30-day objection period then begins. Note: delays incur AED 100/month (max AED 1,000)

6. Final Fee: AED 5,000

After the objection window closes with no challenges, you pay AED 5,000 to receive your official registration certificate. Late payments incur AED 1,000/month (max AED 10,000)

Total Government Fee ≈ AED 6,500

This covers application, publication, and certificate issuance fees. Additional costs for consultancy or legal support may apply, bringing typical market totals between AED 6,000 to AED 10,000 total.

After Registration: What You Get

Once confirmed, the MoE issues a trademark certificate valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely. You also gain priority protection against copycats and can enforce your rights in UAE jurisdictions.

Benefits of Trademark Registration for UAE Startups

✔ Legal Protection

✔ Brand Ownership

✔ Increased Business Value

✔ Customer Trust & Credibility

✔ Prevention of Imitation or Duplication

Whether you're planning to expand regionally or build a global brand, your trademark is one of your most important assets.

Why Register Early with Verde

Verde incorporates trademark registration into your company formation package, ensuring legal protection from the very start. Our end-to-end support includes:

• Pre-filing trademark clearance

• Complete application submission

• Payments and legal compliance

• Handling objections or rejections

• Certificate issuance and renewal reminders

Protect Before You Promote

Building a successful company in the UAE starts with protecting your foundation and that begins with your brand identity. By learning how to register your trademark, you not only guard your ideas but also create a brand that customers can trust and investors can value.

At Verde, we go beyond company registration. We help you secure, scale, and succeed. Our team handles the full trademark registration process from search to certificate, so you can focus on building your dream business.

Need Help Registering Your Trademark in the UAE?

Book a free consultation with Verde today for expert guidance, affordable packages, and end-to-end trademark registration services.