Trademark Search UAE Guide — How to Check Brand Availability
Before applying for a UAE trademark, search the official MOEC database and WIPO Madrid system. This guide covers where to search, the Nice Classification system, what to do when a conflict is found, and step-by-step search instructions.
Signed by: Sarah Al Qasimi (Lead Editor). Fact-checked by the full editorial team.
A UAE trademark application is non-refundable. If you apply without searching first and discover a conflict during examination, you lose your application fees and your branding timeline is delayed by months. A thorough trademark search takes 2–5 hours and costs nothing using official free databases — it is the most important step before naming your UAE business or product.
UAE trademark applications are non-refundable
Where to search UAE trademarks
Nice Classification — key classes for UAE businesses
UAE trademarks are registered by Nice Classification class. You must register in each class relevant to your products and services. Here are the most commonly used classes by UAE businesses.
Multi-class registration strategy
5-step trademark search process
- 1
Define your mark and generate variations to search
Before searching, define exactly what you plan to register: the word mark (your brand name), a logo/device mark, or a combined mark (word + logo). Then generate a comprehensive list of variations to search: exact spelling, alternate spellings, phonetic equivalents (e.g. 'Qwik' vs 'Quick' vs 'Kwik'), plurals, Arabic transliterations, and common misspellings. A thorough search covers at least 5–10 variations of your proposed mark. Document this list before starting the search.Time: 1–2 hours - 2
Identify the relevant Nice Classes for your business
Trademarks are registered per Nice Classification class. You must identify which of the 45 classes cover your products and services. Key UAE classes: Class 35 (advertising, business services, retail) for most service companies; Class 9 (software, electronics, apps) for tech; Class 30 (food, coffee, snacks) for F&B; Class 41 (education, entertainment, media) for media/agencies; Class 42 (IT consulting, SaaS, research) for technology services. Multiple classes require separate applications and fees. Use the WIPO Classification tool (wipo.int/classifications/nice) if uncertain.Time: 30 minutes – 2 hours - 3
Search the MOEC Trademark Database
The Ministry of Economy UAE (MOEC) maintains the official UAE trademark register. Search at moec.gov.ae — available in Arabic and English. Enter each variation of your mark, in each relevant class. Screenshot every search result, including 'no results found' pages (these serve as evidence of clear search if challenged later). Search both the word mark and, if you have a logo, similar device marks in the same visual style category. The search is free and unlimited.Cost: AED 0 (free online portal)Time: 1–3 hours (thorough search) - 4
Search WIPO Madrid System for international registrations covering UAE
The UAE joined the Madrid Protocol in December 2021. International trademark registrations filed under the Madrid System that designate the UAE are effective in the UAE and would conflict with your application. Search the WIPO Global Brand Database at branddb.wipo.int — filter by UAE designation. This search is free. Include the same variations from Step 1 across your relevant Nice classes.Cost: AED 0 (free WIPO database)Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour - 5
Conduct a broader unregistered mark search
Registered trademarks are not the only risk. Unregistered marks that are well-established in the UAE market can also challenge your registration on the basis of prior use. Search: (a) Google for your mark + 'UAE' and 'Dubai'; (b) UAE social media (Instagram, LinkedIn) for businesses using the mark; (c) domain registrations (.ae, .com, .co.uk); (d) UAE business directories (Dubaied.gov.ae, Yellow Pages UAE). Document findings. An unregistered but established brand is rare grounds for trademark rejection but more common in opposition proceedings after registration.Time: 1–2 hours
What to do if your search finds a conflict
Modify your mark
The safest option. Add a distinctive element, change the spelling, or adopt a different brand name entirely. Rebranding before launch costs only time — rebranding after market investment is far more expensive.
Apply in a different class
If the conflict only exists in one Nice class, you may still be able to register your mark in other classes where there is no conflict. Assess whether the coverage is commercially meaningful.
Seek legal assessment of similarity
Not every similar mark creates a conflict — marks must be similar AND cover related goods/services. A trademark agent can assess the similarity risk and advise whether to proceed.
Obtain a letter of consent from the existing owner
If the existing trademark owner is willing to consent in writing to your registration, the MOEC may accept this as resolving the conflict. This is rare but possible, particularly where the businesses serve different markets.
Wait for lapse (not recommended for planning)
A trademark lapses if not renewed after 10 years. You could theoretically wait and register after lapse — but this is not a reliable business planning strategy for marks with active owners.
Apply knowing the risk and defend if challenged
Some applicants proceed despite a potentially conflicting mark and handle any opposition when (and if) it arises. This is a legal strategy with real costs and risks — consult a trademark lawyer before taking this approach.
DIY search vs professional trademark agent search
DIY search via MOEC + WIPO (free)
- Completely free — MOEC and WIPO portals are open to all
- Can be completed in 2–5 hours by a non-specialist
- Identifies most obvious identical or near-identical conflicts
- Immediate results — no waiting for an agent to prepare a report
- Useful as a quick preliminary check before committing to a brand name
Professional trademark agent search (AED 2,000–5,000)
- Non-specialists may miss phonetically similar or visually similar marks
- Arabic language search requires Arabic-language competency or transliteration tools
- No legal opinion on the strength of potential conflicts — is it actually a problem?
- May miss older registrations with unusual spellings or transliterations
- Does not include a professional risk assessment for proceeding despite a conflict
UAE trademark search and registration costs
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Search | |
MOEC trademark database search (self-service) Free, unlimited searches at moec.gov.ae | AED 0 |
WIPO Global Brand Database search (self-service) Free at branddb.wipo.int | AED 0 |
Professional trademark clearance search (agent) Includes legal opinion on conflict risk | AED 2,000–5,000 |
| Application | |
MOEC application fee (single class) Government fee — non-refundable on rejection | AED 750–2,000 |
Agent filing fee (per class) Professional fee on top of government fee | AED 1,500–3,000 |
Additional class fee (each extra class) Register all relevant classes simultaneously | AED 750 government + AED 500–1,500 agent |
| Renewal | |
Trademark renewal (per class, every 10 years) Must renew within 12 months before expiry | AED 1,000–2,500 government + agent fee |
| International | |
Madrid Protocol filing — UAE as base (per country) WIPO fees vary by country — much cheaper than direct filing | USD 750–3,000+ per designated country |
| Monitoring | |
Trademark monitoring service (annual) Alerts for conflicting applications — important for brand protection | AED 1,500–5,000/year |
UAE Trademark Search — frequently asked questions
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