How long does it take to register a trademark in the UAE?

Registering a trademark in the UAE typically takes 6 to 8 months, depending on various factors. Here's an outline of the timeline:

1. Application Submission

• Filing the application with the UAE Ministry of Economy (MOE) takes 1–2 days if all documents are in order.

2. Examination by the Ministry

• The MOE reviews the application to ensure it meets the legal requirements, a process that usually takes 30–60 days.

3. Publication in the Official Gazette and Newspapers

• Once approved, the trademark is published in the Official Gazette and two Arabic-language newspapers.
• The public has 30 days to file objections.

4. Resolution of Objections (if any)

• If objections are raised, addressing them can take an additional 1–3 months, depending on the complexity of the case and the speed of responses.

5. Issuance of Registration Certificate

• If there are no objections, or objections are resolved, the MOE issues the Trademark Registration Certificate within 1–2 months after the objection period ends.

Total Estimated Time

• 6 to 8 months if there are no complications.
• Delays may occur if objections arise or if there are issues with the application.

For smoother processing, ensure all documents are accurate and complete, and conduct a preliminary search to minimize potential objections.

Each stage has a fee – see the cost guide. The full step-by-step is in how to register a trademark online in the UAE. Need it faster? MoET's one-day examination costs AED 2,250.

Stage-by-stage timeline (2026)

Stage	Typical time	What can delay it
Search and preparation	1–5 days; 2–4 weeks for foreign owners (power of attorney legalisation)	Documents, translation
Filing	Same day	–
Examination	1–3 months (1 working day with the AED 2,250 one-day examination)	Office action, conditional acceptance, refusal and grievance (adds 3–6 months)
Publication	Next bulletin after the AED 750 fee is paid (bulletins twice a month)	Late payment
Opposition period	30 days from the bulletin date	An opposition adds 6–12 months
Final registration and certificate	About 30 days after paying AED 5,000	Late payment
Total	4–6 months with no opposition; about 3 months with one-day examination

How to make it faster

• Run a proper clearance search first so there is no conflict-based refusal.
• Pay the one-day examination fee (AED 2,250) if a launch or investor deadline depends on the filing.
• Draft the goods list from accepted class headings to avoid a specification office action.
• Pay each fee the day it falls due – the 30-day windows are where most delay happens.
• Foreign owners: start the power-of-attorney legalisation before choosing classes; it is usually the slowest step.

Are you protected while waiting?

Your priority date is the filing date. Anyone filing a conflicting mark after you loses, even if your certificate has not issued. You may use ™ while pending and ® once registered. If you need to stop an infringer before registration, the pending application supports a complaint but a court action normally needs the registration. See costs and the full step-by-step guide.