Class 9 and Class 42 Trademarks in UAE: Software, Apps, SaaS and Tech Brands

Technology brands in the UAE usually file two classes: Class 9 for software and hardware as products, and Class 42 for software provided as a service and IT services. Filing only one leaves half the business unprotected.

Class 9 – products

Downloadable software and mobile apps, computer hardware, smartphones and accessories, wearables, downloadable e-books and media, payment cards and devices, sensors and IoT devices, scientific and measuring instruments, sunglasses and safety equipment.

Class 42 – services

Software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service, cloud hosting, software development and design, IT consultancy, cybersecurity services, data analytics and AI services provided online, web design, scientific and technological research.

Which classes tech businesses need

Business	Classes
Mobile app (free or paid)	9 (the app) + 42 (the platform behind it) + the class of what the app does (e.g. 36 for fintech, 39 for delivery, 43 for food ordering)
SaaS product for businesses	42 (+ 9 if there is a downloadable client)
Fintech / payments	9, 36, 42
E-commerce marketplace	35, 42 (+ 9 for the app)
AI tools	42 (+ 9)
IT services company	42
Hardware / devices	9 (+ 42 for support software)

Tech-specific points

• App name and icon: register the name as a word mark; the icon as a device mark if distinctive.
• Free zones: DIFC, ADGM, Dubai Internet City, DMCC and in5 licences are all accepted; the applicant name must match.
• Startups raising investment: investors expect the brand to be registered in the operating company's name (not the founder's) before closing. Assignment →
• International: most tech brands extend via the Madrid Protocol soon after the UAE filing. International →
• Source code and UI are protected by copyright, not the trademark. Copyright vs trademark →

Cost and timeline

Official MoET fees are AED 6,500 per class (AED 750 application, AED 750 publication, AED 5,000 registration); an optional one-day examination costs AED 2,250; SMEs in the national programme pay 50%. Expect four to six months. Full cost guide → · Step-by-step process → · All 45 classes →

Send us the brand name and what it covers for a free preliminary check and a fixed-fee quote – contact us.